Am I allowed to protest when my husband is in the military?

Question

I'm just wondering if someone, a wife or husband, was allowed to protest with the locals in the foreign country that the service member and spouse are stationed? The spouse wouldn't say she/he was affiliated with someone in the US military and wouldn't be speaking on behave of anyone in the military. The couple would be living on a US post.

An example would be a husband of a soldier protests with a group of locals in Germany, against violence commited by US troops in that country.

I'm just asking a question. I'm not trying to get your opinion on whether or not I should take part in anything.

It certainly doesn't mean I don't support the troops or my husband. There are things going on here (protests being held my locals off base that have to do with how careless a group is being with live ammunition within only a few meters of local civilians). Whether I'm married to a man in the military or not doesn't mean I should live to please him, but it also doesn't mean I act careless either. I wouldn't be doing anything to disrespect him or put him in a bad light. I wouldn't be arrested because I wouldn't be doing anything wrong. When is voicing a concern wrong? I do feel sorry for women who live their lives under the label of their husbands though.

I can support my husband and support my beliefs as well. If I did indeed take part in this protest that would be off base DOES NOT MEAN I DON'T SUPPORT THE TROOPS OR HUSBAND.

I WOULDN'T BE PROTESTING AMERICA! The protest has to do with live ammunition being used carelessly a small distance from locals. I can be against something my country does without being against the it.

Answer 1

Just because you married does not mean you have given up your morals or your rights. If my friends,neighbors and such were doing things that are unsafe and causing harm to others well that's not right Just because some men may do the wrong thing by some women for eg.That does not mean you must defend their poor choice of actions. Do be careful because you could put yourself at risk. Also take hubby's pride and respect into account as well. Have you spoken to him about it maybe he agrees with your feelings towards it all, at the end of the day he still needs to get paid. Good luck.

Answer 2

You're not a US Service Member, so you're entitled to take part in a protest if you want to. I think it's wise that you don't mention your husband being in the Military. Even though I think it'll be very obvious since you're an American overseas protesting in an area where there is a base.
I'm not giving my opinion on rather or not you should do it, because that wasn't your question. But I will say be careful if you decide to go through with this. You may make some enemies amongst your neighbors there at the base.

Answer 3

Everything you do is a reflection on your husband. As someone already mentioned, there is a possibility that the protest will turn violent and you end up in a whole lot of trouble. Even without any violence, if by chance you end up on TV and the wrong person sees it, it can and will negatively affect your husband and his military career. You wouldn't have to be interviewed; simply recognizable in the background. You also run the risk of being publicized as the "poster girl" for this campaign. "Look, someone associated with the US military agrees with us!" Even if none of the above happens, there would still be negative consequences for him if his command finds out you were there.

I wouldn't do it.

Jeepers_peepers, a service member could also get in trouble at a protest if they identify themselves as being in the US military. Then it wouldn't matter that they weren't in uniform, not on duty and not on Government property - they'd still be violating the UCMJ.

And BTW - today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. A big "thanks" and heartfelt appreciation from me to Trish C and all the other military spouses out there! Even though I no longer wear your shoes, I'll never forget what it was like.

Answer 4

Military wife to military wife, I wouldn't think about protesting. Even though you are the one that is doing the protesting, your husband will be in serious trouble with his commanding officers, if you are caught and arrested.

Directly or indirectly-you are a part of the military. Your actions will always reflect back on your husband for as long as you stay married to him. If you are caught and you are found guilty of breaking the SOFA agreement, you will lose certain privilages and could get german jail time if arrested by the Polezi. You can even lose your military ID along with command sponsorship and you will be shipped back to the US without hestiation.

In a foreign country as an American, it is not a wise choice for you to stand out. OPSEC!

Answer 5

If you really want to protest that issue and be heard then talk to the IG on post, meet the wives of higher ranking men and talk to them, attend the AFAP conference,write your congressmen, be active IN your community. Standing outside the gates with the "locals" isn't going to accomplish anything on post.

Just know that if you do there can be repercussions for both of you. If you are willing to deal with the consequences than by all means.........however, be aware that one of those is that you and the kiddos (if there are any) can be sent back to the States - or your hypothetical person/family- if the commander so chooses. As well as the answers you've already received.

Answer 6

Technically, you are not forbidden to do so unless it is expressly discussed in the SOFA. You may want to research more before making a decison to protest or not.

say, for instance, that the SOFA doesn't expressly allow or forbid it one way or the other. You go off base to protest and are arrested by Local authorities.. the Legal eagles on base may claim that you violated SOFA and would not intervene on your behalf, meaning that you would be subject to local law enforcement. this could end up negatively impacting your spouses' career, either through missed work or fines or just by sheer innuendo/gossip.

My advice is to talk to JAG before making any decisions.

Answer 7

I was in a Pershing Missile unit (2/4 Infantry) in the 1980's. We had a Sgt who's German spouse was an anti-nuclear activist in Neu-Ulm. They gave the NCO some grief but that was about it. I think as long as it is lawful protest there is not much they can do. The threat would be to your husband getting Top Secret clearance.

Answer 8

People don't believe it, but active duty soldiers are allowed to protest the war in Iraq.

As long as they are not in Uniform and do it on thier own time.

Of course what you have to watch out for, what if the protest turns violent and they figure out your an American ?

Plus the idea of an American protesting against America in a foreign country, just doesn't sit well with me.

Answer 9

Legally, yes.

It is really dangerous to do that in a foreign country in case something turns violent--remember that the Polizei can beat you with very little provocation. Also, it might not be the best thing that you could possibly do to help further your husband's career. They do look at the "Total Soldier" when it comes to promotion boards, etc.

Answer 10

You can surely protest. Its your right. I will however note that it can reflect on your husband if it becomes public knowledge and someone in his chain of command disapproves of your actions. Many years ago now when I was a young troop one of my officers wives was photographed in a group of protesters outside an ammo storage area in California. The photograph was in the paper and from that point forward this officer got two marginal efficiency reports and eventually was qualitatively managed and put out at 16 years (a few short of retirement).

"Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose." - Ronald Reagan

Answer 11

it depends on the regulations that the German govt has against protests, etc... if your really serious about it, talk to your legal dept, and ask them. Also, make sure to enquire about SOFA with that country. Worst case scenario? you protest, get arrested, lose your command sponsorship, and get sent home. {and thats not even getting into the trouble that your spouse would have to deal with} -- depending on what germanys rules are against protests, you could get arrested, and end up in a german jail.... and the US wouldnt come and try to get you out, because you were breaking SOFA. Before you do anything, contact Legal, and ask them. and dont just go with an enlisted, try to get a meeting with the highest ranking JAG possible.


oh and BTW.... Freedom of speech??? yes in america its great... but it doesnt really count when your living overseas.... when your living in germany, your a GUEST- not a citizen.... and you have to follow their rules when your not on the base or you could be sent home- OR- deal with their legal system...