Should active duty military personnel be allowed to join a political party?

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:18:57 -0500

This has been a controversial one. First a caveat, I am chairman of the Hawaii GOP and a member of the RNC so I clearly have my opinions.<div><br></div><div>But there has been past controversy of soldiers speaking out in uniform and getting in trouble. There are laws where there is clear separation, but where does it interfere with our first amendment rights?</div><div><br></div><div>Should military personnel be able to express their personal political views? Should the active component hinder political involvement? </div><div><br></div><div>*I am adding some comments below as an edit to clear up any confusion there may be on why I am asking this questions. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px;">...My question was whether or not speaking at all while on active duty should be allowed in order to prevent mistakes from happening where military get caught like General McCrystal did. He was an awesome general and could have offered much more but some political off hand comments he made makes it on the front page of rolling stone and he was out. From what I understand what he said was in confidence and not in his capacity.</span><div style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px;">I am in the guard so I can hold the position I do now, but when on orders, my staff and state cmte know that I will not respond or do things that violate my orders. I will not mix the two up. <br><div><br></div><div>I am a big believer that the lines between the military and civilian sector should be separate and the civilian side with the authority over the military like our constitution grants. This is why Lincoln fired McClellan and Truman fired MacArthur, both generals were out of line regardless of what you think of their military strategy.</div><div><br></div><div>My question had nothing to do with being in uniform, but how much we can get involved to prevent any mistakes from slipping out. When I was a cadet at West Point, there was a vocal minority that active duty military personnel should not get to vote at all. They had a debate that we all had to attend as part of the class and of course we were all against it. </div></div><div style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px;">I am firmly against this but they did bring up a good point. Military officers historically tend to be Republican, libertarian, conservative (not all). When Clinton was in office, his staff was known to routinely speak against the military and one senior staffer told one of the top generals that "we don't speak to military personnel." (From Colin Powell's biography). Many liberals historically have disliked the military because it tended to skew towards conservatives, and the nature of national defense itself. The minority that said military should not be able to vote was to prevent any perception that officers were politically skewed one way or another because of their votes.</div><div style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px;">It is not about exploiting for political gain, but about maintaining a system where we promote that the military is apolitical, and its members may have to give up that right because of it. If they do have to give up the right, where is the line drawn? Right now the line is when not in uniform, you can do what you can do, but in uniform you can't. I think that is good. However one marine got in trouble because he spoke out against POTUS on facebook and wouldn't take it down when asked to by his chain of command. He argued he did while not in uniform and got court martialed. But if active can't say anything at all, then this wouldn't even be an issue. It would open up others though and I don't think we want to go down that route.</div></div><div style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px;">That is the basis of my question. Whew, sorry for the long response!</div>

Response by PO1 Rudy Lopez made Feb 5 at 2014 6:25 PM

PO1 Rudy Lopez — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:25:37 -0500

Military should be able to join political parties; after all they vote based on their political beliefs.

The line, however, must be drawn as to NOT represent the "military" when taking part in such political groups. If they're going to attend a function they should not be allowed to wear a uniform; unless retired or separated.

Military members should be allowed to attend political meetings and get their voice across, but should not be allowed to take part in a protest or rally where possible arrest could be made if it got out of control.

Finally, their involvement in political groups should not interfere with their military duties.

That is my stance on military service members and political groups.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 6:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:29:10 -0500

Sir -<div><br></div><div>I believe that if someone wants to express their personal political opinion it needs to be on their own time and not in uniform. At the end of the day regardless of your political views and personal opinions, these should not effect you at work. It is when people involve their personal opinions/political in their work that things get difficult. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, it's just that opinion has a time and place.</div>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 6:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:33:19 -0500

MAJ Chang,

Without leveling any criticism at the current DoD policies concerning political participation by Active Duty Military, including Reserve and Guard Soldiers on active status (because doing so is frowned upon in this establishment), I would welcome greater freedom to contribute to the political process. I don't, however, anticipate a change to the regulations occurring any time soon.

I am not complaining; I fully realized what I was signing up for when I came back on active duty nearly two decades ago. Our position and responsibilities preclude us from participating fully in many activities that the public takes for granted. I do, however, intend to make up for lost time after I retire!

For any military who aren't clear on what they can and can't do in the political arena, here is a very well written article that breaks it down:

http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/militarylaw1/a/milpolitics.htm

Military Folks and Politics -- Political Activities by Military Personnel

I receive a lot of questions about what military members are allowed and not allowed to do when it comes to politics. Federal Law (Titles 10, 2, and 18, United States Code), Department of Defense (DOD...

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Feb 5 at 2014 6:39 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:39:11 -0500

Major, I've been a Republican since I first registered to vote. I don't think that being a part of a party should affect a person's ability to serve. Now when it comes to actions while wearing the uniform that is the area that goes too far. While wearing the uniform personal opinion shouldn't be expressed. I don't feel it interferes with our freedom of speech if we express our opinions out of uniform and do not do or say anything that could affect good order and discipline of the chain of command. Other government officials face similar limitations in how they can express their political opinion through their official capacity as employees and office holders.<br>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 7:17 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:17:26 -0500

tl;dr - Humans are horrible and we must avoid conflicts of interest.

I remember reading a very interesting 1970's piece on the Military as a profession similar to doctors and lawyers. The core idea was non-productive specialization that provided an essential service to society and which featured profession-internal education systems and quality control.
One thing the article pointed out is that 1950's Officer would not exercise their right of citizenship at the polling booth out of principle. The same ideal applies to "service earns citizenship" in the novel Starship Troopers: the right to vote begins with the termination of service.

I have a hard time when I vote as I tend to vote along the lines of my personal beliefs and switch party allegiance based on perceived candidate quality and larger strategic ramifications (single party controlled legislative and executive, etc). I don't have a hard time choosing, but I have a hard time justifying my choice.

Is it SSG Beutler that wants the hawkish post-imperialist President and Congress or is it Carl Beutler? Does Carl Beutler believe that entitlement spending must be reformed before it swallows up the entire budget or is it SSG Beutler's fear that his career will be curtailed by reduction in military spending in response to entitlement growth?

I am but one voice in a sea of citizens, so my personal struggle to do what I think is right with my ballot is unlikely to affect the larger outcome.
However, if I cannot differentiate between what is right for America (my number one priority in my definition of service) and what is right for me & the DOD; should I be trusted to use the stature given to me by virtue of service and servant-leadership in connection to the political agenda of one party or another?

There are historical and contemporary examples of high ranking officers assuming the mantle of a specific party and using their credentials to fend for their vision of America. I will not judge them. However, each of those is after retirement. Before the exit from honorable service in uniform, my political action must be subordinate to the civilian leadership as long as they are in compliance with the Constitution I have sworn to uphold & defend. Agitation on behalf of ideology not inherent to my obligations of service dilutes the purity of my action.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 7:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:26:12 -0500

absolutely NOT, we join the service to support the commander in chief and do what he tells us.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 7:33 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:33:34 -0500

<p>I think this administration only wants freedom of speech for themselves and that conservatives viewpoints are wrong.   Therefore Freedom of Speech is only allowed for their party.   I can't begin to tell you how dangerous that this kind of thinking is.</p><p><br></p><p>Being in uniform and endorsing a party is wrong and SSG Pawel is 100% correct that we work for the current administration.  (while on activity).    This doesn't mean that we have to like certain things but we do have the right to be active in politics just not as an active duty service personal.</p><p><br></p><p>imho</p>

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 7:36 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:36:57 -0500

Join a political party - yes.  Express their political views, while in uniform, no.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 5 at 2014 8:53 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:53:22 -0500

<p>The military is apolitical.  It has to be that way.  We cannot show or favor political sides while in uniform or while on official duty.  Thus, IMHO, active duty service members need to avoid overt political involvement because that is a direct conflict of interest.  What you do politically OFF duty is your business as long you don't use your military status for political gain.  National Guard and Reserve should have no restrictions as long as their political actions don't interfere with their military duties and like AD, don't use their military affiliation for political gain.</p><p><br></p>

Response by SFC Joe Ping made Feb 6 at 2014 10:15 PM

SFC Joe Ping — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 22:15:06 -0500

Yes, they should be allowed perhaps then the military will no longer be used as a social experiment by those who have an agenda to screw the military.

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 6 at 2014 11:38 PM

SSgt George Brown — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 23:38:05 -0500

You do not give up your right to vote, except when a certain party in each state fails to send absentee ballots or sends flawed absentee ballots that will not be counted to GOP registered (ooops I meant to say to the other party) overseas military, or sends the GOP (oops did it again) late so they wont get back in time.

In many states, you have to be one party or the other to vote in the primaries.

Speaking out in uniform is a different issue. It should not be done, however, if someone in their civies does speak out there should not be sanctions against them.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 12:09 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 00:09:05 -0500

Sir, it's very simple. You should advocate for any position you choose. Just don't do it in uniform. Why would you? I suspect you'd find it inappropriate for a soldier to march in a gay pride parade in uniform, and you'd be right. Likewise it's inappropriate for you to advocate for your party while in uniform. If for no other reason it gives the civilian population, which is woefully ignorant of us, the impression that the military as a body endorses a particular political stance. Here's another way to think of it; the uniform isn't yours. It belongs to Uncle Sugar, and he gets to decide what you do with it. Another consideration is this: POTUS is our CinC. Whether we like him or not, he's in our CoC. Would you, as a professional commissioned officer, find it appropriate to campaign against any other superior officer? Frankly, I'm curious as to why a commissioned officer, a professional, wants to advocate for a political party in uniform. I can't help but wonder if you want to exploit the privilege of your commission for political gain. That's why I'm giving your question the "thumbs down".

Response by TSgt Brian Herman made Feb 7 at 2014 5:48 AM

TSgt Brian Herman — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 05:48:43 -0500

My take on this question, isn't "If" military members should be in a political party, but rather why aren't they?? The biggest line I've seen in this thread, is the 'in or out of uniform' issue. Also, you can't solicit for your party at work.
However, just because are in the military, doesn't mean you give up your rights to free speech!
You are allowed to disagree with your president/congress/senate representatives. You are still required to do your job. If you live in the barracks you might have a harder time if you want to have a 'young democrats' meeting, but that doesn't mean you can't go downtown and either rent a room for a private event, or just go for coffee.
Civic duty is just that-duty.
I think it is time for another thread about political correctness in the military-the greatest threat to America there is!

Response by SSgt Jason Goodman made Feb 7 at 2014 8:17 AM

SSgt Jason Goodman — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 08:17:01 -0500

"we don't practice democracy, we protect it"...... heard it, said it, lived it

Your question is in regard to military personnel joining a political party. This is far removed from speaking out about their personal views in uniform.

To answer your question, YES they can and should be able to JOIN a political party. They can vote just like every other eligible citizen and have the right to form their own opinions. Being a member of a party and being active and publicly outspoken in the party are two totally different things.

In response to your comments below your question, NO they should not share their political views while representing the military. If you have a concern on something going on in the military you need to run it up the chain, if you have a concern about something going on outside the military within the government, vote in the next election. At no time should any military personnel publicly speak out about anything, political or otherwise. If you want to be outspoken in politics, get out of the military.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 11:23 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 11:23:09 -0500

Sir, I don't think the active component hinders political involvement much at all. I can donate money to any candidate I want, I can attend a political rally when off duty and out of uniform, and I have a voting assistance officer to help me get my absentee ballot sent off in time. Obviously I can't make official endorsements using my rank and position because when I wear the uniform I represent not just the Army but the United States of America itself. In my opinion, the law is clear and I don't believe there should be politicians in uniform. It reminds me too much of the Soviet "political officers" they had in each unit to ensure all the Soldiers were good communists. I don't think politics needs a uniform. But I have always encouraged my Soldiers to exercise their right to vote and to do so "in accordance with the dictates of your own conscience."

Response by SPC Robert Patrick made Feb 7 at 2014 12:11 PM

SPC Robert Patrick — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 12:11:35 -0500

Major Chang,

I would suggest Looking into FM 27-14 http://cdm16635.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16635coll8/id/55414
on page 2 it tells what you can and cannot do I would also advise you confide in your local JAG office so as not to place your carrer on the line.

FM 27-14 Legal Guide for Soldiers :: Military Publications - Field Manuals - USAHEC

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 8:00 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 08:00:12 -0500

This is an interesting post. I accept the limits on my freedom of speech and expression while I serve my country. I understand, as most Service Members do, that the military cannot be seen as taking sides in political debates. When one shows up to a political event in uniform, it sends a message to the country that the military supports the event's agenda.

The military must be seen as serving the country, not a political party. The Commander-in-Chief changes out every 4-8 years and the position is occupied by people of different political parties and different views. Whether we like those views or not is irrelevant. We serve under the Commander-in-Chief whether we agree with his/her policies or not. As long as the military orders are not illegal or immoral we have a duty to obey those orders despite our personal opinions.

I do my best to keep my personal political opinions within my own house, but some years are harder than others.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 1:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 13:31:43 -0500

You bring up a number of good points. Will answer them in parts, since one hand-wave doesn't address them all.

1) of course military personnel should have their own political opinions, and they should base them in something other than just national media or an idea they pulled out of their fourth points of contact. Broad-spectrum reading and media use help mold a real opinion. "That's bs," and "They're stupid," are not informed opinions, but rather diahrrea of the mouth. If you read counter-proposals (not just the talking heads of opposing media stations which live to inflame -- not inform -- a debate), we should be able to identify where we our viewpoints diverge, and that is where the debate lies.

2) having an opinion and voting -- absolutely. The caveat is that once the vote is cast, our duty is to support and defend the Constitution, and enlisted also swear obedience to the POTUS and officers appointed. That's the point where we get to McChrystal.

3) having an opinion does not mean we share it at any time and place. We've all had individuals we can't stand, but who's personality or behavior don't fly in the face of what is moral, legal, and ethical. We still can't stand them. It is against good order and discipline to discuss one's opinion about that person (whether an officer, NCO or enlisted, or the POTUS). If someone can't figure out the right and place time to speak on this topic, then yes, they will and should be disciplined. As our organization exists, those with much influence have a higher requirement to maintain professionalism.

Response by TSgt Karl Kurtz made Feb 9 at 2014 11:08 PM

TSgt Karl Kurtz — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 23:08:13 -0500

Everyone seems to be on the right thread of thought. The UCMJ is very clear on individual behaviors within the political arena

Response by COL George Antochy made Feb 11 at 2014 1:13 AM

COL George Antochy — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 01:13:20 -0500

Every American has the right to join whatever political party they desire, and Service Members are definitely no exception. As Federal employees we are governed by the Hatch Act. Service Members also has other restrictions involving political activity. You must never participate in political activity while in uniform, and use your military affiliation for political purposes. I believe that our Governmental bodies always benefit when they contain veterans and Reservists/Nation Guard members.

Response by CPT Thomas Day made Feb 13 at 2014 7:51 AM

CPT Thomas Day — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 07:51:25 -0500

Your headline is quite different from the content of what you wrote.

Answer to headline - Yes Military Personnel can and should be allowed to join a political party

Answer to the content of your comments - No. Military personnel, especially senior officers like GEN McCrystal, should not express their poltical views. Not sure the GEN McCrystal sitiuation is a good example of what you are talking about anyway.

If you want to see what happens when Military Leaders openly express their political views and become a part of the political process while in uniform, there are many thrid world countries who do this and have periodic Coup d'etat.

The US has a strong history of the Military staying out of politics while on active duty, but then being very successful after they leave the uniform. Let's keep that tradition strong.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Mar 24 at 2014 3:19 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 15:19:34 -0400

Yes, I believe that soldiers should be allowed to be members of political parties. After all it is hard not to form personal opinions about the individuals who will or may wind up running this country and possibly being on a military oversight committee. And as such should also be able to vote for our leadership.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 15 at 2014 5:05 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 15 May 2014 17:05:37 -0400

Being a part of political party and speaking in front of such a group is fine, doing it in uniform is not. You need to becareful to make a seperation between your military and political life.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 13 at 2014 10:40 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 22:40:32 -0400

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® In this day an age, yes to some, no to others. You, like I are conservatives so no. Now if you were a good little lemming and spouted his BS then by all means join one.

Honestly I don't think it proper for active duty to be politically active as it can be taken wrong and reflect on the service. You should be able to, but it way to sensive anymore.

Response by COL George Antochy made Sep 14 at 2014 7:10 PM

COL George Antochy — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:10:11 -0400

Every Service Member has the right to join a political party. They just have to be careful where they express their political opinions and voice. As with all Federal employees, Service Members must abide by the Hatch law. Actively participating in the political process while wearing the uniform presents the impression of endorsement and is prohibited. While on Active Duty Service Members and Federal employees are prohibited from running for political office. That does not apply to Reservists and National Guard members. The most important thing a Service can do is to express their opinions by voting.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2014 6:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 18:44:26 -0400

I haven't read all the post. However I feel it is a fundmental right that you get to pick you political party! I lean towards the right but am a registered Democrat. That's what I have been since I registered to vote. My family members were die hard Democrates and I followed suit. Niw when it comes to voting. I vote for the candidate I feel most qualified regardless of political party. That said. While in uniform, you should not campaign, discuss or show your political affilation.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Oct 29 at 2014 12:24 PM

MAJ Dallas D. — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:24:25 -0400

Join a political party - absolutely

Participate in a function while in uniform - No

Participate in a function in civilian clothes without any mention of their service - YES!!!

Response by Sgt Jason West made Dec 16 at 2014 4:53 PM

Sgt Jason West — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 16:53:43 -0500

Join? No problem. Vounteer? Even better. Speak out in any fashion that could be mistaken in any way to be supported by your service, no. If a person is on active duty, then be active in politics if you wish, but simply do not attempt to use your rank or service to gain any sort of "edge". The rules are there to prevent people from attempting to persuade others by making them think a particular branch or the military in general supports a certain candidate or party.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jan 1 at 2015 9:55 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 09:55:25 -0500

Absolutely! And while off duty and not in uniform, they are free to express their opinions so long as they don't in any way, shape or fashion attempt to use their military service to bolster their political opinions, or connect them with the military or their branch of service.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Jan 1 at 2015 1:38 PM

COL Ted Mc — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 13:38:12 -0500

The problem is not so much belonging to, or working for, a political party as it is with doing so while in uniform and/or while seeming to represent the military. Keep the uniform and service out of it and every member of the service has the same political rights as anyone else (heck they can even run for and be elected as the President of the United States of America while still serving as an E-2 [well, theoretically at any rate]).

Response by SSG Dale London made May 7 at 2016 7:09 AM

SSG Dale London — Sat, 07 May 2016 07:09:41 -0400

Yup - and they can put campaign stickers on their POV's as well. They just need to make sure that their personal views can not be misconstrued as being an endorsement from the military itself.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 7:30 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 07:30:05 -0400

Have your views. Join whatever group you wish (so long as it does not advocate the overthrow of the government) But, NOT in uniform and not when it could be construed as attempting to intimidate subordinates from the same rights.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made May 9 at 2016 9:17 AM

CW4 Guy Butler — Mon, 09 May 2016 09:17:42 -0400

I'm a firm believer in the Eisenhower example.

Response by PO1 Jack Howell made Jun 23 at 2016 6:30 PM

PO1 Jack Howell — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:30:16 -0400

Techinically speaking, that was done when we registered to vote. As long as service members don't appear at political rallies while in uniform and don't express their political views in public, while in uniform, there shouldn't be a problem. The best rule to go by is when in doubt, consult applicable written guidance as well as your chain of command.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Aug 13 at 2016 1:01 AM

SGM Joel Cook — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 01:01:26 -0400

Yes Sir, the problem being people showing up at political functions wearing a military uniform or obvious military organization badges or tabs. I have always been involved in politics, the only time in uniform was as a voting assistance officer. The rest of the time civilian cloths. Even when asked at a function I would evade or avoid a direct answer saying it is against regulations to participate in political functions in uniform.

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made Aug 25 at 2016 2:38 PM

SSG Ray Elliott — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 14:38:38 -0400

No one is more greatly impacted by the political system than those in the military, to not allow them to fully participate in the process would be a great disservice to them (worse than Taxation without representation). The problem isn't their participation it's when they identify themselves as being in the Military (by wearing the uniform) while participating leading to the inference that their views are their military services views.

Response by SFC Thomas Butler made Aug 25 at 2016 7:39 PM

SFC Thomas Butler — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 19:39:06 -0400

Your question is non-sensical. Active duty military personnel are already allowed to join a political party. What they can't, and should not be allowed to do is to put on the uniform and make political statements in favor of one candidate or the other. The seperation of our armed forces from the political process is one thing I am strongly in favor of.

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Sep 6 at 2016 2:25 PM

1stSgt Nelson Kerr — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 14:25:24 -0400

That question for enlisted personnel was answered quite clearly in the election of 1864, With limitations such as a prohibition of advocating with subordinates, petitioning in groupsand public speech in uniform, Military folks have all the rights of civilians.

Military officers tended to refrain for voting or stating any political positions even among there peers i until after WWI as a matter of professionalism. the feeling was NOTHING should bring the armed services political neutrality into question. we must never forget that we work for and are controlled by civilians and that that is a necessary thing.

Response by CPT Chris Newport made Sep 6 at 2016 8:18 PM

CPT Chris Newport — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 20:18:36 -0400

Clearly, so long as it is not obvious on the base and you never wear a uniform to any function.