Should Soldiers Have The Right To Protest In Uniforms

Recent events have led to an increase in protests, both peaceful and violent. People of almost every race, occupation and age are openly exercising their right to freedom of speech. Soldiers however, must abide by DoD policy when attending demonstrations. DoD directive 1325.6 regulates how soldiers exercise their right to protest. It states that soldiers have the right to peacefully protest when they are off duty, off post, not in uniform and within the United States.

The government will always remain officially neutral. Therefore service members should not represent themselves as a member of the Armed Forces while exercising their Constitutional rights to protest. When soldiers protest in uniform it gives the impression of official