Duty before opinion

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Elizabeth Kreft
  • 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  As a public affairs officer for the United States Air Force, I'm paid to talk.

I'm paid to communicate ideas and transfer information to thousands of people about issues that are going to affect their families, their everyday lives and their long-term careers. And yet during the next few weeks, one of the most important responsibilities that I'll share with my fellow military members will be to keep my mouth shut.

As tension between opposing political parties grows to a remarkable force, the desire to express a negative view toward elected officials develops with it. But the venue for voicing opinions on the matter is quite small for military members, and in the waning days before a critical presidential election, even the blandest of comments or actions can draw negative attention to an individual or office with the best of intentions.

Each government employee must recognize that he or she is expected to conduct him or herself in a manner that allows for a completely impartial atmosphere at work. We know during any season, election or not, military members are subject to scrutiny and possible reprimand for inappropriate comments about their chain of command or about elected officials. But during a heated political time such as this, sensitivities to partisan commentary are at an all-time high.

Just one snide remark, one prejudiced e-mail or one biased flyer can be the downfall of a healthy federal or military career. Even though you might just be attempting to encourage fellow co-workers to engage in a political discussion, we each must remember there is a proper time and place for such dialogue.

I'm speaking from personal experience. I'll admit that I haven't been reprimanded for being too zealous about one side or another, but I feel the itch. I have received entertaining e-mails about the president and the candidate, and at times they are so good I've been tempted to forward on the political satire to the entire base. Each time I turn on the office television I see more information about the upcoming election, and my blood goes from resting temperature to yelling-at-the-TV temperature in about 2.4 seconds. In fact, I should write a thank-you note to the major news networks for giving my heart a natural workout over the last few months.

The heart of the matter: I find myself craving to lead political campaigns at work.

I see and hear things I strongly disagree or concur with, and every fiber of my being tells me to chime in and comment on what I believe. And yet I have to hold back. This isn't the place for voicing personal views on elected officials. Healthy discussion is always encouraged, because we know that engaging conversations increase knowledge and social tolerance. But using federal time, money, assets or tools to voice political views is categorically wrong.

The fact is, we cannot allow our personal opinions to interfere with our duty to remain politically unbiased in relation to our federal positions. Military, DOD civilians and any federal employee's primary responsibility is to serve in a wholly impartial manner. And though it might require a bit of tongue biting or creative articulation, this reservation is needed in order to maintain a healthy and professional working atmosphere.

So, over the next few days as you anxiously count down the hours until the time arrives to make your mark on the nation's future (I know I can't be the only one this excited), remember that government time and resources have to be kept separate from our personal political agendas. In the end, whoever wins, the victory will be that much sweeter if it is a success brought about by completely legal and honest means, and each of us can do our part to keep partisan politics out the military setting.