Members of the Armed Forces are subject to generally more restrictive rules governing political activity than federal civilian employees. Reference (a) is a punitive lawful general regulation. Violations are punishable under Article 92, UCMJ, reference (b). Reference (c) is SECNAV’s current guidance regarding political activities.
a. Permissible activities include: (1) register to vote and vote, (2) express a personal opinion on political candidates or issues, (3) promote and encourage others to vote, (4) write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing their personal views, and (5) display a partisan political bumper sticker on a POV. Permissible online/social media activity is further discussed in paragraph (3).
b. Impermissible activities include: (1) participate in partisan political fundraising activities; (2) use official authority or influence to interfere with an election; (3) perform clerical or other duties for a partisan political committee or candidate during a campaign (e.g., stuffing envelopes, manning a phone bank, precinct walks, distributing campaign literature and buttons, etc.); (4) display a large political sign, banner, or poster (as distinguished from a bumper sticker) on a POV; and (5) display a partisan political sign, poster, banner, or similar device visible to the public at one’s residence on a military installation, even if that residence is part of a privatized housing development.
I'm sure they'll try to get 'em under (2)(b)(1) or probably try to stretch things to consider him engaging in "alt-right"/"Q-anon" type groups, or dig deep into his social media, devices, and what have you to find anything to pin on him. I've never been in the service but prior knowledge tells me if they want to hang him out to dry they'll be able to find something.
And remember there's also the UCMJ, directives from his chain of command, etc. to consider too.
Finally, Article 134 prohibits a variety of offensive conduct, including indecent language, indecent conduct, and communicating a threat, and may also prohibit other neglects or disorders that are prejudicial to good order and discipline or Service-discrediting.
6. In addition to Articles 92 and 134, other articles of the UCMJ punish conduct which constitutes disrespect or insubordination towards our civilian or military leadership (Articles 88 - 91)
So there could be something in those articles they could get him with too. "Other articles of the UCMJ punish conduct which constitutes disrespect or insubordination towards our civilian or military leadership" really jumped out at me. Yeah, this seems like something they can get 'em for.
Probably. In just a few minutes of searching, I found this guidance from Dec 2019. Though it wouldn'
https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2029669/guidance-on-political-campaigns-and-activity/
I'm sure they'll try to get 'em under (2)(b)(1) or probably try to stretch things to consider him engaging in "alt-right"/"Q-anon" type groups, or dig deep into his social media, devices, and what have you to find anything to pin on him. I've never been in the service but prior knowledge tells me if they want to hang him out to dry they'll be able to find something.
And remember there's also the UCMJ, directives from his chain of command, etc. to consider too.
See also: https://militarybenefits.info/can-military-members-protest/ (Gives a decent run-down of servicemen and political speech)
Oh, and also found more,
SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE - UNOFFICIAL INTERNET POSTS, which says
So there could be something in those articles they could get him with too. "Other articles of the UCMJ punish conduct which constitutes disrespect or insubordination towards our civilian or military leadership" really jumped out at me. Yeah, this seems like something they can get 'em for.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing.