184th Wing Guidance on Political Activities, Activism, and Contentious Language

When it comes to political activities, activism, and public statements, whether in person or online, there are a host of rules/regulations all military members must abide by. No matter if personnel are on-duty or off-duty, failure to abide by the established guidance may result in adverse action(s).

Many people have questions about what military members may do, and what they are prohibited from doing. While this will not be all inclusive of all rules, there are several things to highlight:

DoDD 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces

Policy: It is DoD policy to encourage members of the Armed Forces (hereafter referred to as “members”) (including members on active duty, members of the Reserve Components not on active duty, members of the National Guard even when in a non-Federal status, and retired members) to carry out the obligations of citizenship. In keeping with the traditional concept that members on active duty should not engage in partisan political activity, and that members not on active duty should avoid inferences that their political activities imply or appear to imply official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement . . .

DAFI 51-508, Political Activities, Free Speech and Freedom of Assembly

Note: Failure to obey paragraphs 2.5.1.2, 2.6.3, 2.6.4.1, 3.3, 3.4.1.3, and 3.4.3.1-3.4.3.2 of this instruction by uniformed members of RegAF, USSF, AFR on active duty or inactive duty for training, and ANG in Title 10 status, constitutes a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). ANG members in Title 32 status performing full-time National Guard duty or inactive duty for training who violate the mandatory provisions of this instruction, may be held accountable through similar provisions of their respective state military codes.

2.9. DAF Military Members on Active Duty for 30 Days or Less. In addition to complying with all other mandatory provisions herein regarding prescribed and proscribed actions for active duty military members, members on active duty for less than 30 days will:

2.9.1. Give full time and attention to performing military duties during prescribed duty hours. (T-0)

2.9.2. Avoid any outside political activities that may be prejudicial to performing military duties or inconsistent with the accepted customs and traditions of the Armed Forces. (T-0)

2.9.3. Refrain from participating in any political activity while in military uniform and from using government facilities for political activities. (T-0)

Kansas Code of Military Justice (KCMJ)

48-3013. (KCMJ Art. 88) Contempt toward officials. Any person subject to this code who uses contemptuous words against the president, the vice president, congress, the secretary of defense, the secretary of a military department, the secretary of homeland security, the governor or the governor of any other state, the legislature or the legislature of any other state, territory, commonwealth or possession in which that person may be serving, shall be punished as a commanding officer may direct.

Key take-aways: military members are prohibited from engaging in political activities in uniform (this has happened recently with members of another service), and there are punitive regulations that may apply in those circumstances. Additionally, members of the Kansas ANG may not use contemptuous language about public officials. This includes time where you are off-duty and also includes social media.

Any questions should be directed to the 184th Wing Legal Office.

Comm: 316-759-7034; DSN: 743-7034

Social Media -- Do's and Don'ts

Think, Type, Post.

When posting to social media sites you need to think about what you are posting. Prior to posting, ask yourself these two questions:

What could a person do with this information?
Could it compromise my safety or the safety of my family or my spouse’s unit?

Think before you post.

Online is forever in many cases. Just because you delete a photo doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Another user might have screenshot your deleted image and posted it elsewhere. The best way to keep sensitive information secure is to never post it in the first place. Don’t engage in topics or conversations that could leave you regretting your words years, months, or even seconds later.

When in doubt over the appropriateness of a social media post use common sense and use the acronym WWGT—as in What Would Granny Think if she saw this post coming from me?

TYPE:

Use the less is more approach. Don’t share too much information (otherwise known as TMI). Some things are better left unsaid.

Don’t post classified info on your page (troop movements, locations, missions, etc.)
Don’t post casualty information before the next of kin has been notified.
Don’t post photos from your spouse’s locations.
Don’t check into locations. People can track your activities and know when you are not home.
Don’t post information protected by the Privacy Act.
Don’t post personally identifiable information.
Post unit morale or personnel problems.
Don’t share your *strong* opinions (read: political or controversial subject matter). Some discussions should be held offline.

POST:

Do be selective. You don’t have to accept every friend request that comes your way.
Do model good behavior. Our online activity may feel private, but it is not.
Do practice positivity. If you like a post, like it! Got an encouraging word to say? Go ahead and comment. Post a story, video or picture that’s bound to make people smile. If you’re going to act impulsively on social media, let this be the way you do it.
Do maximize your security settings on social media platforms.
Do talk to your Family about OPSEC, so they know what can and cannot be posted.
Do turn off geotagging and location-based social networking on phones and digital cameras.

If all else fails, remember to ask yourself when posting, commenting or sending a message: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

Local Information

Recruiting - 316-759-7424

Mailing Address:

52960 Jayhawk Dr.
McConnell AFB, KS 67221

Wichita Area Code – 316
Comm. Prefix – 759-XXXX
DSN Prefix – 743-XXXX
McConnell Operator – 6100
Weather Line – 1-800-892-526

Essential Numbers

184th Command Post – 759-7070
184th Force Support Sq. – 759-7431
184th Comptroller Flight – 759-7068
184th Sec. Forces Sq. – 759-7445
184th Medical Group - 759-7380
184th Public Affairs – 759-7561
Family Support Office – 759-7092
Director of Psych. Health – 759-8901
Sexual Assault Helpline – 759-7011
22nd Medical Group – 759-6300

Update your ID - 759-7431