Can soldiers talk to the media?

The rules state that when a member of the armed forces has any contact with a journalist they must immediately notify press officers. This applies even if a member of armed forces staff meets a journalist socially, or through their family.

Are soldiers allowed to talk about politics?

Troops may not “serve in any official capacity with or be listed as a sponsor of a partisan political club” or speak at any partisan political gathering, “including any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.” Service members cannot appear in the media “as an advocate for or against a …

Does military have freedom of speech?

Like all Americans, members of the Armed Forces have the right to free speech, but they also have a responsibility to protect the nation and to understand there are times when right and responsibility may not go hand-in-hand. A servicemember’s right to free speech is limited to protect the national interest.

Are soldiers allowed to have cell phones while deployed?

Soldiers deploying overseas with the 82nd Airborne Division will not be allowed to bring personal cellphones or any electronic devices that could reveal their locations due to what the Army calls “operational security,” according to division spokesperson Lt. Col. “We are not going to put our soldiers at risk,” he said.

Can deployed Soldiers use social media?

The Army’s social media experts tell Soldiers not to use location-based social networking services when deployed or in classified areas; for Soldiers and families not to post specific dates or locations of deployments; and recommend setting privacy settings to ‘friends only’ on personal accounts to prevent personal …

Can military members hold public office?

Any enlisted member on active duty may seek, hold, and exercise the functions of a nonpartisan civil office as a notary public or member of a school board, neighborhood planning commission, or similar local agency, provided that the office is held in a non-military capacity and there is no interference with the …

Can military members write their congressman?

Every member of the military has the right to communicate individually with any member of Congress for any reason. Though service members may be told otherwise, commands cannot limit this right or require prior notice or approval.

What are soldiers not allowed to do?

Indicative of the military’s special status, the Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits military personnel from using “contemptuous speech” against the President and other leaders, from engaging in “conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline in the Armed Forces,” and from “conduct unbecoming an officer and a …

What rights do military members give up?

Your Rights

You have the absolute right to consult with a military defense attorney prior to making a statement or cooperating in the investigation.
You have the right to refuse to consent to searches of your home, car, computer, etc.
You have the right to refuse to consent to a polygraph examination.

Can soldiers vote in uniform?

All members of the armed forces, including active-duty members, members of the reserve components not on active duty, and retired members are prohibited from wearing military uniforms at political campaign or election events.

Can you run for office if you’re in the military?

In addition, all military members, including National Guard and Reserve forces, are prohibited from wearing military uniforms at political campaign events. There are, however, significant restrictions on fundraising, running for office in partisan election and using one’s official authority in the political arena.

Can a civilian file an IG complaint?

Anyone, including civilians with no Air Force affiliation, may file Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) complaints. Depending on the circumstances, the IG may also accept complaints from dependents or relatives of active duty members and retirees and their dependents.

Can my congressman help me get into the military?

A senator or representative can submit an inquiry about your situation to the military and ask them to respond. When you contact your Congressional office, they usually ask you to sign a privacy release form that gives them permission to contact the military on your behalf.

Can you smile in military pictures?

When you get new ID cards, you have to take new photos. He’s like, “In military photos, you can’t SMILE.”

Do service members have rights?

In reality, military members enjoy the same rights that civilians do, if not better. You should know that any person subject to the UCMJ who suspects someone of an offense must advise the suspect of his/her rights under Article 31 of the UCMJ.