Can someone in the IRR run/get elected as President or any other position in the cabinet?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 15:00:06 -0400

Straight forward question, my best guess is No

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 3:10 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 15:10:00 -0400

I believe they could.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 3:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 15:21:38 -0400

friend of mine a reservist ran for office so i'll say yes especially irr

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 18 at 2016 3:22 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 15:22:01 -0400

What law or regulation prevents it? IMO, they could, and if elected have to resign or be released from the military.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 18 at 2016 4:07 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 16:07:43 -0400

There is nothing under the "terms and conditions of employment" (applicable section of MILPERS blah blah) that outright precludes it. If you were AD or reservist, there's a thing where you have to avoid conflict of interest and obtaining permission if you're AD to hold an outside job. You'd have to punch out to run for elected office because you'll make yourself unavailable to perform your regular duties. A number of legislators are in the Reserves so they're able to juggle it. Re: Cabinet positions; that's a different story. If non-DoD, there's no conflict of interest. These positions are appointed. I'd expect the pedigree of folk in the Cabinet to have several College rags and considered preeminent in their line of work. We see that in various appointment of retired flag officers. Since the appointment is to a civilian position, then an AD would have to punch out while a reservist or IRR would be eligible. I just don't recall seeing that.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jun 18 at 2016 4:41 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 16:41:53 -0400

How old are you and what office to you want to run for? If you meet the rules, go for it.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 18 at 2016 6:06 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 18:06:47 -0400

President, I suspect there would be a slight conflict of interest but any other government job, why not. Assistant Secretary of the Navy Teddy Roosevelt comes to mind running off to fight in the Spanish American War.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2016 6:44 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 18:44:02 -0400

They can, and until elected or confirmed in office, they can remain in service. However, I believe that once that status changed, then they can defer or become discharged from their duty.

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Jun 19 at 2016 11:56 AM

MSgt Michael Bischoff — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 11:56:15 -0400

As an IRR you chance of recall is very slim first off. As for holding an office there have been several members of congress that are reservists. The law only says you can support or run for office in uniform representing self as a military member. I.e. Vote for Sgt Bagodonuts!!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 2:39 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 02:39:27 -0400

Yes.