Generals Forbidden To Wear Political Merch?

Going to try to do something my digitally challenged brain struggles with and attach this story from ABC about General Caine who is tapped to be the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff being questioned at a confirmation hearing about wearing a MAGA hat. Now I know these MAGA hats are politically polarizing and all.... But is our military brass forbidden to wear anything with political slogans? Or is this just about MAGA? I served eight years and never remember hearing of any such restriction.


https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/tru...?id=120378683&utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

 

I will, hopefully, be able to add useful information.

No Active Duty member can wear any political insignia while in Uniform....regardless of Rank.

You may not remember, but when you took the Oath upon entry. It included allegiance to Title 10, U.S. Code, and UCMJ.

In Basic you received instruction concerning AR 600-20.

That little Card you were told to carry at all times when Off Base referred to Article 134 UCMJ.

You were also introduced to the 12 Standing Orders, and Commander Guidance.

Remember those usually once a week Base Commanders Classes that we all snoozed thru? One of the very first was the Hatch Act.

Simply, if you are in Uniform, and nothing else that is not part of the authorized Uniform, shut up and keep your opinions to yourself on or off Base.

The Hatch Act clearly lists the Do and Don't concerning political activity for members of the Armed Forces. It has always been so.

Remember the dreaded visits from the JAG Office to the Unit, basically intimating we were all worthless criminals? It was like being called into the Vice Principal's office and wondering what the hell you did.

 

There’s not much that’s not politicized more these days than the Pride flag. But, troops were allowed to wear Pride patches on their uniforms during the Briben administration.

 

I am offended. I never snoozed thru an exhilarating class while I served... LOL

 

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No, they were not, while in Uniform.

There were a few numbskulls that received Article 15s. I think there were 2 that were Court Martialed under UCMJ but the charges were reduced to Article 15.

In fact, doing so was banned by the Pentagon in 2021. It stemmed from a semi- it is OK acceptance of wearing a Uniform in Pride Parades, but that became a serious issue and was banned.

 

June 9, 2024

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea — Airmen stationed on this installation 30 miles south of Seoul are authorized to wear a Pride morale patch this month. A May 20 memo from 51st Fighter Wing commander Col. William McKibban approved the “Osan+” patch on Fridays and at special events.

The patch’s circular design features the Progress rainbow flag at the center bordered by a black ring with “Osan+” on top and “Osan Air Base ROK” at the bottom. ROK is the acronym for Republic of Korea, the formal name for South Korea. “The Osan+ patch is the approved morale patch in honor of Pride month, which takes place in June,” wing spokeswoman Capt. Michelle Chang told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday.

“The patch represents the advancement of the Air Force’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, dignity, and respect within the mission.” The idea of the patch came from Osan+, an LGBTQ group established at the base in October, group president Tech. Sgt. Brittany Ortega said by phone Thursday.

The group’s mission is to “advance the Air Force’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, dignity and respect within the mission,” she said. The group has already sold out of the $10 patches, Ortega wrote on the group’s Facebook page Thursday. It’s unclear if more will become available.

The process to establish the Osan+ patch was easy, Ortega said. “I think our leadership really, really just wants to promote the acceptance of LGBTQ service members and their families,” she said.

Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2024-06-09/pride-morale-patch-air-force-14132681.html
Source - Stars and Stripes

 

You are correct. The insignia was not officially authorized by DOD or CIC (POTUS).

Using a little known Morale Directive addressing Non-CONUS Commands, "SPECIAL" enhancements are allowed, when approved by the Commanding Officer, to the Uniform Of The Day and must be noted in the Morning Report and can not be permanent or exceed a 30 day period.

This does not eliminate the UCMJ or Hatch Act, etc. Uniform restrictions or limitations.

But, you are correct.

 

Once again, Charley, you have proven that you know stuff.

 

This guy was looking to get a star. Thank goodness that won’t happen now.

 

The Col. was Star Listed after this Command. He assumed he was safe.

HE MADE A POLITICAL CHOICE, DUMAZZ.

When the new CJCS hearing revealed it was a 3 STAR AF Louie, and was obviously going to be approved, his Balls receded.

 

Good job!

THAT WAS EXACTLY MY FIRST THOUGHT!

I thought: this guy self-immolated and volunteered for a CJCS Fragging.