This document provides guidance to members of the Connecticut National Guard on political activities and involvement during election seasons. It outlines what is allowed and prohibited when it comes to voting, attending political rallies, campaign contributions, public comments, social media posts, and running for office. The key messages are that military members can vote and privately support candidates but cannot use their title or uniform to give the impression that the military endorses any candidate, and there are additional restrictions for full-time Guard members. Advice is given to consult regulations and leadership if unsure about any political activities.

1. Politics, the CTNG and YOU
MAJ Mike Petersen
State Public Affairs Officer
Connecticut National Guard
Navigating the Do’s and Do Not’s As It Pertains To Politics
and Your Service!

2. References
• AR 360-1 (Army Public Affairs)
• DODD 1344.10 (Political Activities by
Members of the Armed Forces)
• DODI 1334.01 (Wearing of the Uniform

3. Introduction
• All Soldiers, whether Guard or Active Duty, are
prohibited by AR 670-1 from giving the
impression that the Army endorses one
candidate or another.
• As a member of the Armed Forces, you are a
high value target for the media and for political
candidates during election season.

4. “That Guy”

5. Election Year Policies
- “The DOD maintains a long-standing policy
that personnel acting in their official capacity
may not engage in activities that associated
DOD with any partisan political campaign or
election, candidate, cause or issue.”
- AR 360-1, Chapter 3-4e (Prohibitions)

6. So How Do I Make Sure I’m Doing
the Right Thing?
- “Nobody will ever deprive the American
people of the right to vote except the
American people themselves and the only
way they could do this is by not voting.”
- Franklin D. Roosevelt

7. Voting
DO: Vote.
DON’T: Publish material to solicit votes from
others while on Active Duty.
Materials include articles, letters and endorsements that are
published by members on Active Duty are prohibited

8. Political Rallies
DO: Go to political rallies.
DON’T: Go to political rallies in uniform.
AR 360-1 prohibits all Soldiers – whether Guard or Active
Duty – from appearing in uniform at political rallies since
wearing it might give the impression that the Army endorses
one candidate or another.

9. Political Shop Talk
DO: Talk about politics with your subordinates.
DON’T: Ask them to volunteer with you.
While it is fine to internally discuss politics amongst co-workers, it
is not appropriate to attempt to recruit subordinates for your
cause. Why? Because you may inadvertently make someone feel
pressured to do what you’re asking because of your position. Best
to avoid it as a leader!

10. Campaign Contributions
DO: Contribute money to candidates you are
passionate about.
DON’T: Ask others in your unit to.
If you’re an AGR, raising money for a political cause in any form is
prohibited (even when off duty and/or anonymously!). As an M-
Day Soldier, you are prohibited from engaging in political activities
on the Army’s dime, which means no campaigning in a drill status.

11. Public Comments About Politics
DO: Comment publicly about politics.
DON’T: Use your Guard title.
You should never, EVER use your Guard title unless you’re
performing official Army business. Wearing your uniform, including
your title in emails, letters to the editor or testimonials (for political
AND nonpolitical purposes) implies the Army agrees with your
statements.

12. Posting Bills, Flyers and Posters
DO: Print out fliers for your favorite candidate.
DON’T: Print out fliers at your Guard job.
Using the office copier for personal reasons may not seem like a
big deal, but using government property for anything other than
official business is a great way to end up in serious hot water!

13. Running for Office
DO: Run for office.
DON’T: Run for office if you’re full-time Guard.
AGR and Technician Soldiers are prohibited from campaigning for
any political office. If you are voted in without campaigning, you
can request a release from the Guard, but it doesn’t have to be
granted! If you’re an M-Day Soldier, contact your chain of
command, the JAG and consult DODD 1344.10 for more
information on Political Activities

14. Social Media
Be aware of pitfalls in social media commentary!
Yes, you are entitled to your opinion, but remember the section
about use of your Guard titles!
How many of you list your AGR/Tech/M-Day job as your position,
have a profile picture of yourself in ACUs, and then post about
how much you can’t understand how anyone could vote for a
candidate you don’t care for?
COULD BE PERCEIVED AS ARMY APPROVAL OF A
CANDIDATE/CAUSE!

15. Community Actions
• What is a Community Action?
• Where do they come from?
• How are they tracked?
• Who approves them?
• How does it affect me?

16. Takeaways
• Work closely with commanders,
Public Affairs and JAG
• When in doubt, ask for advice!

17. Questions or Assistance ?
MAJ Mike Petersen
State Public Affairs Officer
CTNG
michael.t.petersen.mil@mail.mil
Office (860) 524-4857
Cell (860) 883-5336