It is important that our members exercise their rights and obligations of citizenship without violating Federal statutes, regulations, and policies that prohibit official involvement, or the appearance of official involvement, in partisan political activities (e.g., favoring a candidate, party, or cause).
The 2022 Political Guidance for Military and Civilian Personnel clarifies Coast Guard policy on official interaction with political candidates and campaigns. It also addresses the ability of uniformed and civilian personnel to engage in political activities
Employees should also understand policy regarding social media activity. Here are three guides you may find useful:
All CG members, uniformed and civilian, should familiarize themselves with this guidance, which was jointly developed by the Office of Governmental and Public Affairs (CG-092) and the Office of the Judge Advocate General (CG-094).
Resources
- Individual units who have questions regarding procedures for visits by elected officials should direct those questions to Area or District Governmental Affairs Officers (GAO).
- Area and District GAOs should refer questions to the Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs (CG-0921).
- All questions regarding political activities of CG personnel should be directed to the appropriate servicing legal office.
References
- Coast Guard External Affairs Manual, COMDTINST M5700.13 (series)
- Military Civil and Dependent Affairs, COMDTINST M1700.1 (series)
- Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces, DoD Directive 1344.10, February 19, 2008
- Limited Personal Use of Government Office Equipment and Services, COMDTINST M5375.1 (series)
- The Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. 7321-7326
- 5 C.F.R. Parts 733-744