Throughout the month of September, 2023, Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Cavalry Multi-Functional Training Brigade, First Army Division East, had the privilege to carry out the Post Flag detail, rendering honors to our Nation’s colors each morning and evening, and paying respects to the Soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedom. “This is a physical manifestation of our service to the country,” said Capt. Christian Stiene, the HHT Commander. (Army photo by Sgt. Jacob Wachob, 4th Cavalry Multi-Functional Training Brigade.) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: FEDweek StaffAs the 2024 presidential election draws closer, the armed services are taking steps to ensure that the ranks understand which types of participation are acceptable and which are not.
In essence, guidelines issued in 2008 remain in effect. They include bars on:
• Political fundraising. Service members cannot solicit, accept or receive political donations.
• Serving as a candidate or nominee for any civil office without permission of the service secretary.
• Using service resources for political activities, or conducting such activities while at work.
“Bottom line is that all soldiers should avoid conduct that might cause a person to think that their political activities imply, or appear to imply, Army sponsorship, or approval of a political candidate, party, campaign or cause, said Donald Lobeda, the Army’s associate deputy general counsel.
Service members are allowed to take part in political activities, to include voting and attending political events as spectators, as long as they are not in uniform. They cannot campaign or speak for any partisan political candidate.
“Maintaining the hard-earned trust and confidence of the American people requires soldiers to avoid any action that could imply endorsement of a political party, political candidate or campaign by any element of the Army,” Lobeda said.
In a similar move, the Navy and Marine Corps have ordered all commanders to make sure their charges are fully trained and informed about the scope of permissible political activities.
“Completion of the training will be annotated in electronic service records,” the Marine Corps stated in an announcement to all hands. The announcement added that the service is working on the development of an applicable course, the completion of which would meet training requirements.
Hatch Act Applies to Civilian Personnel
Under the Hatch Act, federal employees and certain state and local government employees face restrictions on their ability to participate in political activities. The Act is enforced by the Office of Special Counsel. That office issues advisories for employees who are uncertain whether their activities fall under the law’s coverage.
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