Dos and Don’ts during the political season Published Nov. 10, 2015 By Senior Airman William Johnson 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- As the presidential primaries are fast approaching and debates are heating up, Airmen and federal employees must follow strict guidelines during the political season to ensure no wrongdoing. Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 and Air Force Instruction 51-902 outline what active duty service members are permitted and restricted from doing while acting in an official capacity. Service members who violate these directives could face punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Carmel-Ann Feliciani, 436th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate chief of general law, said these directives do not prevent service members or any DoD employee from voting in the primaries or general elections. "We encourage everybody to participate as citizens and we want everyone to go out and vote," said Feliciani. "What we have to be careful about is that we cannot engage in political activities in the workplace and we cannot use our positions to advocate for or against political issues." The Hatch Act governs political activities by DoD employees. DoD civilian employees who violate these rules and restrictions could face disciplinary actions up to and including suspensions or removal. Military members who violate these rules also face the full range of administrative and disciplinary actions. The Hatch Act also focuses on preventing supervisors from influencing subordinates to participate in or contribute to partisan groups or candidates. Some examples of prohibited political activities for service members and DoD civilians include displaying political posters in the workplace, advocating for political candidates in the work place, speaking or attending partisan political gatherings while in uniform and expressing opinions fixed at the success or failure of a political party, candidate or partisan political group while in an official capacity. Although service members and DoD employees may take part in political activities outside of the work place and in a personal capacity, Feliciani urges anyone with questions about their political involvement to be directed to the base legal office. "We want you to be aware of the things you can and cannot do," said Feliciani. "If you have any questions or concerns please contact the legal office." For more information or if you have questions or concerns, contact the 436th AW Legal Office at (302) 677-3300.