American Soldier: Do you have Freedom of Speech?

Question

I heard that American Soldiers are not allowed to speak about political matters, endorse politicians and military units cannot endorse or recommend a political canidate. Is that true? if so, why?
Also, I heard American Soldiers may not be involved in political matters in the off time either.

Answer 1

There are two reasons for this.

First, the military is not covered by civilian law. They are covered by the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice.) The provisions of the UCMJ are appropriate for the military, which is more about following orders then freedoms. Seriously. We cannot run a war if no one has to follow orders.

Next, the real reason for this is to prevent the military coups so common in other countries. So, our military is required to obey our president, who is a civilian. That means the military is supposed to be under civilian control.

While the soldiers are allowed to vote, (if the Democrats don't get their votes tossed out ala Gore) their participation in politics would eliminate the separation of military and the other branches of government.

Answer 2

You heard correct. We are under oath to protect our country and obey orders of our command in chief. We all have our own political views, but our allegieance is ultimately to our country, The United States of America. Participation in political matters on or off duty would bring about a spirit of divisiveness that the military cannot allow. We must remember that whether we believe in the Democratic Party or the Republican Party, we are still ONE military and ONE country. We all know this when we sign up so its not really an issue for us. We serve so that others have the freedom to believe as they choose. We are allowed and encouraged to vote as American citizens, but that is the extent of our political involvement until retirement or seperation. Hope this helps you understand a little better.

Answer 3

You've been duped.

Almost everyday some general or high ranking nut job is heard or seen on the talk radio and tv circuit - ranting and raving both sides of every conceivable topic from ground troop deployment to mess hall cuisine.

Obviously, it would not be considered very appropriate or wise for a soldier to publicly denounce the President's policies or leadership qualities - especially since the president is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.

Be kind of like you telling all of your coworkers that the boss is an as shole.....that might be freedom of speech, but I bet you wouldn't be around very long.

Answer 4

Actually, you are only prevented from speaking out about the president. It is against the military code to question the authority of you superiors, which includes Dubya. Why do you think there are no soldiers speaking out against the war? Wait until they get home and are discharged, then you will see them rising up against the war. I personally know at least 4, that are family members of mine who are in Iraq right now. They plan on protesting the war once they return and are discharged. You don't hear this on the conservative news media, but there has been some that have spoken out, they are now in Guantanemo Bay. It's not just Arab terrorists that are in there like you might think. These soldiers are being detained because they spoke out and since the admin didn't like what they said they considered them terrorist sympethisers and were placed in custody.

Answer 5

"but for the most part military people dislike politicians and politics. "
That's not true, many soldiers, especially NCOs and older people in the military like ot have a voice in what they do. NCOs are leaders of men and many proudly will state their political views.
And as for the proud liberal guy, you're sadly mistaken. Every situation has different rules and regulations that are put on them as for what they can say. It isn't a crime ot speak out about our President in all cases. Depends on what the soldier is doing and what their mission is.

Answer 6

It is true. I received an email from my unit's senior training NCO that described, in detail, which political activities are prohibited. Basically, you just can't do any of that while in uniform which makes sense if you think about it. What employer will actually allow you to endorse candidates, attend rallies, etc. while you are on "their time?" Off time is your own business as long as it's not some extremist group. Anyone who wants the list feel free to email me...it's too long to copy and paste on here...

Answer 7

if one soldier says something political in nature the media will twist it around to make it seem like that soldier is a military PR representative and that what the soldier said is the opinion of the US military. if a soldier is photographed anywhere near a riot the media will twist it around to make it seem like the military started the riot or that soldiers were ordered to take part in it. this goes for both on and off duty.

but for the most part military people dislike politicians and politics.

Answer 8

People in uniform are discouraged from offering political opinion. Their job is to follow orders of the president of the US, regardless of party affiliation. The chain of command starts with the commander in chief, through the civilian and military ranks of general to the lowliest of privates. That chain must not and can not be affected or broken by political dogma or party affiliation.

This policy is in effect for military personnel as long as they are on active duty , which is 24/7.

Answer 9

They've obviously never lunched at Army Navy in Arlington during an election.
Generally the military needs to keep their own political views to themselves. After all the President is their commander in Chief.

Answer 10

only officers are restricted from political speech, since they are directly commisioned by the president. Rank and file enlisted are free to express their political voices.

We cannot be in uniform at any "rallies".

This troop recommends anyone without a D next to their name.

D stands for Dhimmicrat