Department of Defense guidelines for the 2008 election year Published Jan. 22, 2008 By Capt. Samuel Miller 377th Air Base Wing assistant staff judge advocate KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- The present world political climate coupled with an unprecedented diversity in presidential candidates is bound to make 2008 an election year to remember. With televised political debates and campaign ads furthering the drama, now is a good time for active-duty military members and civilian employees to review the Department of Defense guidelines that must be followed when engaging in political activities. Active duty members It is important for Active Duty service members to remember that they are encouraged to carry out their political obligations as a citizen in a democratic society. Active duty members, first and foremost, are encouraged to vote. Members are permitted to express their opinions on political candidates, but not as a representative of the armed forces. This includes writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing personal views on public issues or political candidates, as long as it is not part of an organized letter-writing campaign. It is also OK for members to display political bumper stickers on their private vehicle that do not denigrate a public official. It is permitted for members to make monetary contributions to a political campaign and to encourage other service members to vote. Some examples of disallowed political activities include attending partisan political events as an official representative of the armed forces and speaking before a partisan political gathering of any kind. For a more thorough list of forbidden activities consult the Judge Advocate office or view DOD Directive 1344.10, which can be found on-line at www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/html/134410.htm Civilians Under the Hatch Act, civilian DOD employees have restrictions limiting their participation in political activities. First and foremost, civilian employees may not use their official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election. This includes using their title while participating in a permitted political activity, using their authority to coerce anyone into participating in a political activity, soliciting or receiving uncompensated volunteer services from a subordinate and discouraging the participation in a political activity of anyone with official matters before DOD. Civilian employees are also limited in their fundraising activities. For example, civilian employees may not solicit campaign contributions over the telephone, host or sponsor a political fundraiser, or use their official title in relation to political fundraising.