Dos, don’ts of Airmen’s political activities Published Oct. 18, 2007 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Americans have the right to vote and Airmen are encouraged to exercise that freedom. In doing so, Airmen must follow a code of conduct, which is not required by their civilian counterparts. Mandated by the Secretary of the Air Force's Air Force Policy Directive 51-9 Civil Law for Individuals, which replaces Air Force Instruction 51-902 Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force, the guidelines dictate the allowable political activities for the Airmen in the regular Air Force and Air Force Reserve while on active-duty training. The mandate also includes the Air National Guard when federalized. "Airmen could face punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to include non-judicial punishment, an Article 15, or even court martial if the violations were egregious," said Capt. Paul Condie, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Legal Office Military Justice chief. "Additionally, Airmen could receive administrative actions against them such as letters of counseling or letters of reprimand." So long as they are not in uniform, Airmen, like civilians, may express personal opinions about candidates and issues. They may also attend political meetings or rallies and join a political club. Furthermore, they can attach a political sticker on their own private vehicle. Yet, they are not allowed to do any of these actions while in uniform. Airmen are not allowed to be a public supporter of a partisan campaign and participate in the management, solicit votes or speak publicly including television or radio forums about a partisan group. "We encourage Air Force members to be political," said Captain Condie. "As citizens they may vote, and express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, just not as a representative of the Armed Forces." For more information about AFPD 51-9, go to http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI51-902.pdf.