Remember: Partisan political activities in the workplace

315th Airlift Wing,

As the commander, I have learned of several incidents of partisan political activity that have interrupted the federal work center at JB CHS.

Team, our jobs are tough enough without any unnecessary drama.  Let’s not further complicate an already demanding mission with these distractions that may divide us.

Political speech (partisan political activity) in the federal work center is prohibited by federal employees.  The long standing rule limiting political activity in the federal workplace has been further burdened with the advent of technology and its continued transformation.

In trying to simplify a complex topic, here are a few applicable guidelines. Federal employees may not engage in political activity in an official (Air Force) capacity at any time.  Federal employees may not tweet, retweet, share, or like a post soliciting political contributions.  Federal employees may not like or follow the social media page of a candidate or partisan group while on duty or in the workplace.  Federal employees may not engage in political activity via social media while on duty or in the workplace.  To do otherwise would be in violation of the federal Hatch Act.  Hatch Act violations are serious matters, which are investigated by the Office of Special Counsel.  Many federal employees have been disciplined and/or removed from federal service for this misconduct.

Military members’ political speech is regulated even further.  Those restrictions are outlined in AFI 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the US Air Force, dated 27 August 2014, Chapter 4.  This instruction is punitive and applies to active duty, reserve, and guard members.  Violations are punishable by Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  In addition to these requirements, officers have an additional obligation.  Officers who engage in contemptuous words toward the President, Vice President, Congress, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of a Military Department, Secretary of Homeland Security, a Governor, or a legislature, may be punished by Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 

This missive was written with the intent to clarify these rules, reset proper boundaries, to avoid potential concerns in units and highlight our need for a harmonious and productive work center, given the gravity of the work we do.  Please review these rules or go speak with the 315 AW/JA or the 315 AW/PA, if you have any questions or concerns.