What are military members in uniform doing at a Palin rally

[JonLP24]

Military members aren't allowed to attend political rallies in uniform.

[patrice]

1. They're not supposed to engage in political activity in uniform.

[JonLP24]

3. Like attending a rally?

When I was in the military I was specifically told not to attend rallies or protests in uniforms. They can do color guard though.

[lonestarnot]

2. Article 32, Maybe they bought them at the army surplus?

[patrice]

4. Or they're out now and kept their uniforms.

[lonestarnot]

5. Yes that too.

[sarge43]

7. Yup. Wouldn't put it past them.

Of course, impersonating a service member is illegal. But hey, when has illegal ever stopped them.

[lynnertic]

8. it matters whether they're complete refulation uniforms

- outdated uniforms become costumes.

[JonLP24]

6. guidelines

As proud patriots, many military members will want to show support to choose their new leaders and, in November of 2008, their new commander in chief. All military members are encouraged to participate in America's greatest political freedom: the freedom to vote.

That being said, there are certain guidelines and restrictions that military members must follow when it comes to expressing themselves politically. Here are a few of the guidelines taken from Department of Defense regulations.

Military Members cannot appear at political rallies in uniform. Military members are allowed to vote and support for whichever political party they choose, but they must not do so in uniform. Appearing in uniform would suggest a branch of service or the military endorses that particular candidate.

Military members may not use government facilities as a political hub. For example, if you are a uniformed member of the military who supports the Republican Party you cannot use your office or any other government facility to gather votes and support. For some bases and posts, that includes posting political party signs, bumper stickers and other obvious paraphernalia in your work center. Uniformed members are allowed to have bumper stickers on their private vehicles.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/545349/guidelines_for_political_participation.html

[sailor65]

11. One correction

"Military members are allowed to vote and support for whichever political party they choose, but they must not do so in uniform."

Military members may VOTE in uniform.

[dixiegrrrrl]

9. Why don't we ask KO or Rachel???

Hmmmmmm???

What's their e-mail again?

[lpbk2713]

10. One of Smirky's tricks ...

... is to hold events close to military installations. The troops can be "volunteered" to fill up
the empty seats. And there are usually quite a lot of empty seats at rethuglican events these days.

:rofl: :rofl:

[meow2u3]

12. They're probably the lunatic fringe paramilitary types

who traded in their white sheets for camo.

[JonLP24]

13. They were wearing class A's with decorations

Not exactly cheap.

[Stargazer09]

15. That is so wrong

I'm a military member myself, and I would get angry even if those individuals were at an Obama rally. We're just not supposed to use our uniforms that way.

It's all about respect for the uniform. I'm proud of mine, but the regulations against attending political events like that are there for a reason.

:rant:

[JonLP24]

16. I couldn't agree more

I'm prior service myself and this was a big no-no.

[magellan]

14. Being paid for their time? n/t

[TornadoTN]

17. This is a slippery slope

Here's the problem: the rules are clear and the regulations state that they can't be there.

However - by pointing this out, it instantly opens the avenue of attack from McCain that we "don't support the troops". Granted, he's already using it but this would give him open range on this issue.

[JonLP24]

19. I'm former military w/ many friends who are still in the military

So they can tell me all they want that I don't support the troops. They shouldn't be using troops as props, (she has a say in who stands behind her in front of the cameras)

[TornadoTN]

20. Oh I agree completely. I'm just saying it can be turned around very easily in the media

We all know how they use the soldiers as props for their agenda, just like a plastic Thanksgiving turkey to be thrown away.

[JonLP24]

21. Good point

As much as I like to see Palin punished for this, it will most likely be the troops by their commanders if they saw this unfortanately.

[babydollhead]

18. maybe they are Chippendale dancers

[Bryn]

22. So that Palin can use another "Joe" stuff

Joe Sixpack

Joe the Plumber

"Can I call you Joe?"

"Say it ain't so, Joe"

What's next? G.L. Joe