Politics, the CTNG and YOU

MAJ Mike PetersenState Public Affairs Officer

Connecticut National Guard

Navigating the Do’s and Do Not’s As It Pertains To Politics and Your Service!

References• AR 360-1 (Army Public Affairs)• DODD 1344.10 (Political Activities by

Members of the Armed Forces)• DODI 1334.01 (Wearing of the Uniform

Introduction• All Soldiers, whether Guard or Active Duty, are

prohibited by AR 670-1 from giving the impression that the Army endorses one candidate or another.

• As a member of the Armed Forces, you are a high value target for the media and for political candidates during election season.

“That Guy”

Election Year Policies

- “The DOD maintains a long-standing policy that personnel acting in their official capacity may not engage in activities that associated DOD with any partisan political campaign or election, candidate, cause or issue.”- AR 360-1, Chapter 3-4e (Prohibitions)

So How Do I Make Sure I’m Doing the Right Thing?

- “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”- Franklin D. Roosevelt

VotingDO: Vote.

DON’T: Publish material to solicit votes from others while on Active Duty.

Materials include articles, letters and endorsements that are published by members on Active Duty are prohibited

Political RalliesDO: Go to political rallies.

DON’T: Go to political rallies in uniform.

AR 360-1 prohibits all Soldiers – whether Guard or Active Duty – from appearing in uniform at political rallies since

wearing it might give the impression that the Army endorses one candidate or another.

Political Shop TalkDO: Talk about politics with your subordinates.

DON’T: Ask them to volunteer with you.

While it is fine to internally discuss politics amongst co-workers, it is not appropriate to attempt to recruit subordinates for your

cause. Why? Because you may inadvertently make someone feel pressured to do what you’re asking because of your position. Best

to avoid it as a leader!

Campaign ContributionsDO: Contribute money to candidates you are passionate about.

DON’T: Ask others in your unit to.

If you’re an AGR, raising money for a political cause in any form is prohibited (even when off duty and/or anonymously!). As an M-

Day Soldier, you are prohibited from engaging in political activities on the Army’s dime, which means no campaigning in a drill status.

Public Comments About PoliticsDO: Comment publicly about politics.

DON’T: Use your Guard title.

You should never, EVER use your Guard title unless you’re performing official Army business. Wearing your uniform, including your title in emails, letters to the editor or testimonials (for political

AND nonpolitical purposes) implies the Army agrees with your statements.

Posting Bills, Flyers and PostersDO: Print out fliers for your favorite candidate.

DON’T: Print out fliers at your Guard job.

Using the office copier for personal reasons may not seem like a big deal, but using government property for anything other than official business is a great way to end up in serious hot water!

Running for OfficeDO: Run for office.

DON’T: Run for office if you’re full-time Guard.

AGR and Technician Soldiers are prohibited from campaigning for any political office. If you are voted in without campaigning, you can request a release from the Guard, but it doesn’t have to be

granted! If you’re an M-Day Soldier, contact your chain of command, the JAG and consult DODD 1344.10 for more

information on Political Activities

Social MediaBe aware of pitfalls in social media commentary!

Yes, you are entitled to your opinion, but remember the section about use of your Guard titles!

How many of you list your AGR/Tech/M-Day job as your position, have a profile picture of yourself in ACUs, and then post about how much you can’t understand how anyone could vote for a candidate you don’t care for?

COULD BE PERCEIVED AS ARMY APPROVAL OF A CANDIDATE/CAUSE!

Community Actions

• What is a Community Action?• Where do they come from?• How are they tracked?• Who approves them?• How does it affect me?

Takeaways• Work closely with commanders,

Public Affairs and JAG

• When in doubt, ask for advice!

Questions or Assistance ?

MAJ Mike PetersenState Public Affairs Officer

CTNG

michael.t.petersen.mil@mail.milOffice (860) 524-4857Cell (860) 883-5336