Army investigating uniformed soldiers who appeared in DNC roll-call vote

Aliitama Sotoa and Petti Matila of American Samoa speak during the state roll-call vote on the second night of the Democratic National Convention with two uniformed members of the military.AP

Under DOD Directive 1344.10, members of the armed forces who are on active duty are permitted to express their personal opinions on political candidates, make a monetary contribution to a campaign, sign a petition to place a candidate’s name on the ballot, and attend a political event as a spectator. Members on active duty may not participate in partisan activities such as soliciting or engaging in partisan fundraiser activities, serving as the sponsor of a partisan club, or speaking before a partisan gathering. In addition, all military members, including National Guard and Reserve forces, are prohibited from wearing military uniforms at political campaign events.

Our own ninja sends.

By Emily Jacobs

The Army announced it has launched an investigation into how two uniformed soldiers appeared on camera during the televised roll-call vote at the Democratic National Convention.

The two service members, who are assigned to the Army Reserve’s 9th Mission Support Command, raised concerns that they had violated Defense Department rules after they were seen standing with delegates from American Samoa during the state roll call.

The Pentagon strictly forbids uniformed personnel from appearing at political engagements as part of its longstanding effort to keep the military as apolitical as possible.

Both soldiers were in their camouflage uniforms and black masks as two delegates from the territory announced their votes for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.

In a statement to The Post on Thursday, Lt. Col. Emanuel Ortiz confirmed the investigation, saying, “Wearing a uniform to a partisan political event like this is prohibited.

“The Army follows the Department of Defense’s longstanding and well-defined policy regarding political campaigns and elections to avoid the perception of DoD sponsorship, approval or endorsement of any political candidate, campaign or cause.”

DOD Directive 1344.10, “Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces” is a lawful general regulation. Violations of this Directive by persons subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice are punishable under Article 92, “Failure to Obey Order or Regulation” which reads,

“Any person subject to this chapter who—:

(1) violates any lawful general order or regulation;

(2) having knowledge of any other lawful order issued by a member of the armed forces and fails to obey the order; or
(3) is derelict in the performance of his duties;

shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”

Been a while since I put on my sea-lawyer hat, and this seems pretty cut-and-dried. Read the entire article here: New York Post and here: Military Times

Thanks, ninja.

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