Can active military run for President?

[Uzybone]

I was thinking about this earlier today. Does anything in the constitution prohibit an active military man from running and winning the presidency?

[Uzybone]

1. kicking

just looking for an answer. There doesnt seem to be anything prohibiting it, but maybe Im missing something. Anyone?

[Walt Starr]

2. Nothing in the constitution does

however, there is a prohibition against active military becoming involved in political campaigns or running for office within the UCMJ.

[ajacobson]

3. From the Internet - fountain of all knowledge

Members of the Armed Forces are not covered by the Hatch Act; however, they do have to comply with a separate statutory and regulatory structure. Political activity by members of the Armed Forces on active duty is governed by 10 USC Section 973 and
DOD Directive 1344.10. Partisan political activity is that which supports or relates to candidates representing or issues specifically identified with national or State political parties and related organizations. See the Joint Ethics Regulation §6-300 for further guidance.

http://robins.jag.af.mil/Programs/etb/actdty.html

[ajacobson]

5. More

Google "DOD Directive 1344.10" and open the Adobe Acrobat pdf file. It is very interesting. The section "Enclosure 3" is a little clearer in stating what is or isn't allowed.

Some tidbits:
E3.3. EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
...
E3.3.6. Allow or cause to be published partisan political articles signed or written by the member that solicits votes for or against a partisan political party or candidate.
E3.3.7. Serve in any official capacity or be listed as a sponsor of a partisan political club.
E3.3.8. Speak before a partisan political gathering of any kind for promoting a partisan political party or candidate.
E3.3.9. Participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate of a partisan political party or candidate.
E3.3.10. Conduct a political opinion survey under the auspices of a partisan political group or distribute partisan political literature.
E3.3.11. Use contemptuous words against the officeholders described in 10 U.S.C. 888 (reference (b)), or participate in activities proscribed by DoD Directives 5200.2 and 1325.6 (references (c) and (d)).
E3.3.12. Perform clerical or other duties for a partisan political committee during a campaign or on an Election Day.
...
Not clear of course, what the enforcement approach is on the part of the DOD, but there certainly exists the possibility that some service member could get in a big jam if they are not careful.

[Brian Sweat]

4. I don't know, but it would be very awkward.

[dreissig]

6. Military Man

Not all of America's active-duty military are men. Just thought I'd mention that.

[newyawker99]

7. kick for Uzybone!

:kick: