I'm currently in the Air Force, and would like to know something that I had been educated on previously but have forgotten specific UCMJ citations, etc:
After research I had become very sympathetic to the Burmese campaign for a recognized democracy. My question is whether I could on base or otherwise wear a Free Burma shirt w/o punitive repercussions? And if there are, which Article(s) address this for m y future reference?
Thanks
2007-11-12 10:00:42 · 6 answers · asked by boohyabuddha 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Your shirt does not cast negative light on your commander in chief (BUSH). In fact, he has thrown his political support in the same direction as you. It does not cast negative light on the military and does not appear to discredit the service nor is it prejudicial to good order and discipline.
Military folks are permitted to be political, but there political message cannot be brought into the work place. You cannot wear your uniform while involved in political debate, campaigning, volunteering. You cannot use military resources or your official military title to promote a political message.
As long as the shirt is not indecent for any other reason. I'd say you are okay.
I cannot think of colorable offense that you are committing by wearing such a shirt.
2007-11-12 10:39:54 · answer #1 · answered by ironjag 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know... you're not allowed to attend any kind of political rally or assembly in uniform. I'm not aware of any regulations against wearing what you want to wear on your own time in civilian attire; you're even allowed to attend political rallies so long as it is in civilian attire. To my knowledge, I don't think there would be any punitive action towards you for wearing a "Free Burma" or "Free Tibet" or "Free Willy" t-shirt.
To be 100% sure, however, I don't think it would hurt to pay a visit to the judge advocate office and ask. No harm in asking, right?
2007-11-12 18:08:29 · answer #2 · answered by ಠ__ಠ 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You just want to wear a Free Burma shirt while on base?
No problem. Just don't try to wear it with your uniform or otherwise while on duty hours
2007-11-12 18:18:03 · answer #3 · answered by RTO Trainer 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As long as you ensure that it is obvious that you hold that opinion as a private citizen and ensure that it cannot be associated with the military, then you generally are fine.
One thing to remember is that although it is allowed - acting 'political' may get others in the military to think of you as 'less professional.'
2007-11-12 18:45:12 · answer #4 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a violation under the UCMJ and Courts Martial guidlines. Congress is the directive for that offense.
2007-11-12 18:14:24 · answer #5 · answered by rance42 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
I believe Brendon has pretty much said it all.
2007-11-12 18:40:38 · answer #6 · answered by SFC_Ollie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋