Joshua Micah Marshall at Talking Points Memo has been on top of Republican plans to use military personnel in uniform for partisan political purposes, in apparent violation of DOD directives. At a recent Latimer County (Colo.) GOP Lincoln Day dinner, Rep. Marilyn Musgrave
appeared with two active-duty Marines.
In a statement to the Ft. Collins Coloradan, a spokesperson from the Marines' public affairs office was dismissive:
"I don't think there's any trouble to be had," said the spokeswoman, who declined to give her name, citing protocol. "It's a touchy issue because lots of honorees are being invited to things like this. It's a shame people are trying to turn it into more than that."
I find it interesting that the spokesperson wouldn't allow herself to be identified, but that's not the point. What is more telling is that the military has long regarded appearance at a partisan political event as being tantamount to endorsement. Now we have this:
Strictly being honored at an event, however, is not against regulations, she said.
Flip
Regulations outlined in
Dept. of Defense Directive No. 1344.10 indicate otherwise.
While an active-duty serviceman may not
4.1.1.3. Attend partisan and nonpartisan political meetings, rallies, or conventions as a spectator when not in uniform.
there are restrictions. A member on active duty may not
E3.3.18. Attend partisan political events as an official representative of the Armed Forces.
Appearing in uniform is de facto representation of the Armed Forces.
The U.S. military should be above and beyond any hint of political partisanship. It, after all, is sworn to defend the Constitution, not endorse parties or candidates, and it exists to serve all Americans, regardless of party affiliation. It is simply exploitation of our Armed Forces and what they stand for to attempt to identify its uniformed members with any party or candidate. As a veteran, I view the actions of Rep. Musgrave as manipulative and the appearance by the Marines in question dishonorable.
Are there any current or former JAG officers out there who can offer insight on this issue? Has anyone seen a similar case of using active-duty uniformed military for partisan political purposes?