Changes to AFIs regarding ethics

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott Mathews
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Many civilian occupations require annual ethics training to make sure their employees know how to handle certain situations. This is just as important when you’re in military status, and it’s a good idea to always keep good ethics practices in the forefront of your mind whether you’re in uniform or not.

The “golden rule” should always apply in every situation but sometimes there may be areas of uncertainty that Air Force members need to be clear on.

Recently there have been some changes to the Air Force Instructions regarding ethics topics. These AFIs should be reviewed but here are some highlights of some of the changes and other common ethics items:

Gifts
Employees may give gifts to supervisors on traditional gift giving occasions with a limit of $10. Group gifts to someone retiring or leaving can’t exceed $300 in total cost but must be cleared but the Judge Advocate General. To ensure solicitation emails are ethical, JAGs can help write them to ask to contribute, however, these emails will need to be sent by a junior team member and not the supervisor.

Advertisements for fundraisers
Members may advertise for squadron events and unit fundraisers using emails and flyers. It’s important to check with the JAG first before doing so.

For advertisement of fundraisers for private organizations, only the installation commander may approve. Service members may not perform activities for private organizations while in official duty status.

The AFI states that private organizations are self-sustaining special interest groups, set up by individuals acting exclusively outside the scope of any official capacity as members of the Air Force or Federal Government, to include civilians, contractors, Air Reserve and Air National Guard members.
AFI 34-223 covers that.

Political activities
As election season heats up, remember to be aware of your social media activity, including posts and likes, for candidates, political parties, and organizations supporting those. Airmen need to adhere to the Hatch Act, DOD Directive 1344.10, and AFI 51-902.

Military members on active duty should not engage in partisan political activity, and that members not on active duty should avoid inferences that their political activities imply or appear to imply official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement.

For more questions regarding these topics, read the AFIs or check with your judge advocate general. To read these AFIs go to https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/ 

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