Social Media Policy and Regulation

Political Activities

Share Your Voice / Know Your Limits

Soldiers are encouraged to express their opinions of the political process online and offline, as long as they are consistent with the Army values and are not expressed as part of an organized communication campaign and as a representative of the U.S. Army or as a Soldier. Such opinions must be expressed as an individual apart from the military.

This Directive does not preclude participation in local nonpartisan political campaigns, initiatives, or referendums. A member taking part in local nonpartisan political activity, however, shall not:

  1. Wear a uniform or use any Government property or facilities while participating.
  2. Allow such participation to interfere with or prejudice the member’s performance of military duties.
  3. Engage in conduct that in any way may reasonably imply that the Military Department concerned or any component of such Department has taken an official position on, or is otherwise involved in, the local political campaign or issue.

HASC Hearing on Social Media Policies

Lt. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, Marine Corps deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs; Navy Vice Adm. Robert P. Burke, chief of naval personnel; Lt. Gen. Gina M. Grosso, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services; Maj. Gen. Jason Evans, Army director of military personnel management; and Anthony Kurta, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, testify to the House Armed Services Committee on military social media policies, March 21, 2017.