Section 6F - Political Activities

Question 1

As a member of the armed forces, you are encouraged to carry our your obligations as a citizen, with what restrictions?

Answer 1

You are prohibited from engaging in certain political activities while on active duty as outlined in DoDD 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces, and AFI 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the US Air Force.

Question 2

When voting or voicing political opinions, make sure your personal opinions and actions are not represented as what?

Answer 2

The opinions of the armed forces.

Question 3

As an active duty military member, you may not make monetary contributions to a political organization. (T/F)

Answer 3

False. (But you cannot make campaign contributions to a partisan political candidate.)

Question 4

As an active duty military member, under what circumstances may you attend political meetings or rallies?

Answer 4

As a spectator, when not in uniform.

Question 5

As an active duty military member, can you participate in partisan political management, campaigns or conventions?

Answer 5

No. (Nor can you use your official authority to interfere with an election, affect the course or outcome of an election or solicit votes or political contributions.)

Question 6

A military member may not campaign as a nominee or candidate for nomination to a partisan elected office. When may enlisted members seek and hold nonpartisan civil office (notary public, school board member, neighborhood planning commission or similar local agencies)?

Answer 6

When the office is held in a private capacity and does not interfere with the performance of military duties.

Question 7

Reservists in certain federal, state and local government civil offices must resign immediately when called to active duty. T/F

Answer 7

False. (In some circumstances they may remain in office for up to 270 days.)

Question 8

Name three of the eight specific prohibitions on military members’ political activities.

Answer 8

Any of the three following: as a member, you may not 1)allow or publish partisan political articles to solicit votes; 2) serve in any official capacity or be listed as a sponsor of a partisan political club; 3) make partisan political speeches; 4) conduct a political opinion survey the auspices of a partisan political group or distribute partisan political literature; 5) perform clerical or other duties for a partisan political committee during a campaign or on election day; 6) march or ride in a partisan political parade; 7) use contemptuous words against office holders; or 8) display large political signs on your private vehicle (as distinguished from a political sticker).

Question 9

What program administers the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act?

Answer 9

The DoD Federal Voting Assistance Program.

Question 10

What is the mission of the DoD Federal Voting Assistance Program?

Answer 10

To inform and educate US citizens worldwide of their right to vote; foster voter participation; and protect the integrity of and enhance the electoral process at federal, state and local levels.

Question 11

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act requires each federal department and agency with personal covered by the act to have a voting assistance program. Who are critical to the success of this program and what are their responsibilities?

Answer 11

Voting assistance officers. They provide accurate, nonpartisan voting information and assistance to all citizens they are appointed to help. (Voting assistance officers may be military or civilian.)

Question 12

Commanders must quickly eliminate all political dissent and protest. T/F

Answer 12

False. (Commanders must strike a balance, preserving the members’ right of expression to the maximum extent possible while maintaining good order, discipline and national security.)

Question 13

What is required before you post or distribute printed material (other than publications of an official government agency or base-related activity) within an Air Force installation?

Answer 13

Permission from the installation commander or his or her designee.

Question 14

When may Airmen write for unofficial publications during duty hours?

Answer 14

Never.

Question 15

What action may be taken when an establishment counsels service members to refuse to perform their duties, to desert or is involved in acts that adversely affects the health, welfare or morale of military members?

Answer 15

The establishment may be placed off-limits.

Question 16

Regarding dissident and protest activities, active participation in what kinds of organizations is prohibited?

Answer 16

Those 1) supporting supremacist causes; 2) attempting to create illegal discrimination; 3) advocating use of force or violence; or 4) otherwise engaged in an effort to deprive individuals of their civil rights.

Question 17

When are demonstrations or other activities prohibited within an Air Force installations?

Answer 17

When it 1) could interfere with mission accomplishments; or 2) presents a clear danger to loyalty, discipline or morale. (Punishable under Article 92 of the UCMJ.)

Question 18

When are Air Force members prohibited from participating in any demonstrations?

Answer 18

When 1) on duty; 2) in a foreign country; 3) in uniform; 4) the activities breach law and order; or 5) violence is likely to result.

Question 19

Who has personal responsibility for the success of the Air Force Public Affairs Program?

Answer 19

Each Air Force member.

Question 20

What must you do before releasing any proposed statement, text or imagery to the public, including digital products being loaded on an unrestricted website?

Answer 20

Obtain the necessary review and clearance, starting with public affairs.

Question 21

Which publication(s) address whether information (official or unofficial) is appropriate for release, according to classification requirements?

Answer 21

DoDI 5200.01, DoD Information Security Program and Protection of Sensitive Compartmented Information, and Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 31-4, Information Security.

Question 22

You must not use your Air Force association, official title or position to promote, endorse or benefit a profit-making agency. T/F

Answer 22

True.

Question 23

Can you wear your uniform or allow your Air Force title or position to be affixed to an advertisement in any manner or imply Air Force endorsement of a product or service?

Answer 23

No.

Question 24

Members may not make commitments to provide official Air Force information to any non-DoD member or agency, including news media, without obtaining approval through what channels?

Answer 24

Command or public affairs channels.