Posting Politics Publicly

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Ifnot2025then2026

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If I post a political opinion to a public account such as Instagram, in the age where things can go viral, can that affect my chances of acceptance?

I would delete this post upon acceptance.

It is about police brutality, which isn’t really a “political” issue, as no one is for police violence, and I would merely be suggesting ways to mitigate it, not making any comments on race or actual politics.

The post would actually be me talking.

Thank you very much. I understand that it is best to err on the safe side and not post, but as a leader and a citizen in these hard times I feel very encouraged to reach to my peers as broadly as possible to try to help.
 
As far as I know that would not affect chances of acceptance—even if it did how would the Admissions Board find out? Even as a current mid I am allowed to express my political views online so long as I disclaim them as not representative of the views of USNA, Navy, or DoD. If you do get accepted, there are certainly stringent guidelines that all military personnel must follow regarding political activity. For example if you had your rank on your social media along with a bunch of pictures in uniform, you probably shouldn’t post anything political. As a civilian, just rely on common sense.

There’s a whole other debate on whether people in general should post their political views online, but that’s not what your question was on so I won’t delve into it other than to say that I recommend being judicious in what you post online. For political activism, I would use an alias unless you’re actually running for office or organizing for a campaign professionally. Potential employers, acquaintances, and God knows who else, have been known to stalk people’s social media to gain insight on them.
 
I was talking to my DH about this in a way. I am curious what Mids are “allowed” to do in these protests/riots going on presently. Are they political? Are they social justice activism? Are both allowed? Neither? On leave? During summer school? Ever?

The Dant Daily, this far, hasn’t addressed or recommended anything regarding current activity, and he has been sending messages regarding other things. I’m surprised there hasn’t been a message to the Mids regarding current situations going on all over.

Breaks my heart into a gazillion pieces. For everyone 💔
 
justdoit19 said:
I was talking to my DH about this in a way. I am curious what Mids are “allowed” to do in these protests/riots going on presently. Are they political? Are they social justice activism? Are both allowed? Neither? On leave? During summer school? Ever?

The Dant Daily, this far, hasn’t addressed or recommended anything regarding current activity, and he has been sending messages regarding other things. I’m surprised there hasn’t been a message to the Mids regarding current situations going on all over.

Breaks my heart into a gazillion pieces. For everyone 💔
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Frankly, I'm not surprised the Dant has not said anything about this. The US military has a history of staying out of politics. While it would be legal to participate in a rally, you would need to do so with no military association such as wearing a uniform or publically speaking. Usually, however, such behavior is discouraged. Especially officers will rarely comment on politics outside a few friends or colleagues in social settings.
Most will avoid making posts on social media. If you do post something on social media you must be careful about violating articles of the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) prohibiting "contemptuous words". Here is the wording for officers: " Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."
As a matter of fact, outside of an occasional "Don't Tread On Me" sticker you rarely see political bumper stickers on officer POVs (privately owned vehicles). I know many officers who refuse to belong to political parties.

Here is a link for some "does and don'ts". Most officers will just avoid all political action outside of voting to be on the safe side.

UCMJ and Politics | US Military Justice Lawyer Philip D. Cave

Free Consultation - Call (800) 401-1583 - Philip D. Cave is dedicated to serving our clients with a range of legal services including Military Justice and Court-Martial cases. UCMJ and Politics - US Military Justice Lawyer
www.court-martial.com www.court-martial.com
 
My standing advice -- Don't post anything on Social media that you wouldn't want published on the front page of the paper, or which you aren't willing to stand behind. Everything that is put online can get out.

Keep in mind, everything you say or post is intended to create a reaction one way or another;' otherwise why would you post it? We are in a very polarized society, and you are likely to affect how someone thinks about you. I would expect that Admissions really doesn't have time to check the Social Media of all Candidates, but others do -- including teachers, BGO's , and prospective employers. I will admit, I frequently Google a Candidate's name right before a scheduled interview, particularly if we haven't met before, just to get some idea who I am meeting with. I don't have the time or inclination to look too close , and most candidates online footprint is usually limited to academic and athletic achievements, but every once in a while you see something that causes some pause to think.

There is one other consideration that prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers should think about when it comes to Social Media -- at some point, you may be put in harm's way, and perhaps become a POW. During Vietnam (long before Social Media !), interrogators were able to find personal information about captives in public media, and it was used against them.. I know its heady stuff for an 18 year old to think about, but you should think about how whatever your post could be used against you, particularly if you are contemplating NavAir or Seals.
 
Kierkegaard said:
As far as I know that would not affect chances of acceptance—even if it did how would the Admissions Board find out? Even as a current mid I am allowed to express my political views online so long as I disclaim them as not representative of the views of USNA, Navy, or DoD. If you do get accepted, there are certainly stringent guidelines that all military personnel must follow regarding political activity. For example if you had your rank on your social media along with a bunch of pictures in uniform, you probably shouldn’t post anything political. As a civilian, just rely on common sense.

There’s a whole other debate on whether people in general should post their political views online, but that’s not what your question was on so I won’t delve into it other than to say that I recommend being judicious in what you post online. For political activism, I would use an alias unless you’re actually running for office or organizing for a campaign professionally. Potential employers, acquaintances, and God knows who else, have been known to stalk people’s social media to gain insight on them.
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Thank you for that!! I was mostly thinking that they must run some sort of background check and I know if I were to look as an admissions board I would start at their Instagram. Either way, thank you !
 
USNA 19 DAD said:
1) Why? If you are going to put something out there then own it.
2) Looks like you answered your own question.
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1) I realize now that I could keep it but I would have to edit in a disclaimer that my views don’t represent the academy’s.

2) I have a lot of politic-related club opportunities within my school that I am a part of, and as a leader in those groups I feel somewhat obligated.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
My standing advice -- Don't post anything on Social media that you wouldn't want published on the front page of the paper, or which you aren't willing to stand behind. Everything that is put online can get out.

Keep in mind, everything you say or post is intended to create a reaction one way or another;' otherwise why would you post it? We are in a very polarized society, and you are likely to affect how someone thinks about you. I would expect that Admissions really doesn't have time to check the Social Media of all Candidates, but others do -- including teachers, BGO's , and prospective employers. I will admit, I frequently Google a Candidate's name right before a scheduled interview, particularly if we haven't met before, just to get some idea who I am meeting with. I don't have the time or inclination to look too close , and most candidates online footprint is usually limited to academic and athletic achievements, but every once in a while you see something that causes some pause to think.

There is one other consideration that prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers should think about when it comes to Social Media -- at some point, you may be put in harm's way, and perhaps become a POW. During Vietnam (long before Social Media !), interrogators were able to find personal information about captives in public media, and it was used against them.. I know its heady stuff for an 18 year old to think about, but you should think about how whatever your post could be used against you, particularly if you are contemplating NavAir or Seals.
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Very interesting perspective on POWs, as i am very interested in aviation. Any claims I make on social media I will definitely stand by, and I will certainly not say anything inflammatory.

Thank you and I hope that my google results prove to help my case!
 
Ifnot2025then2026 said:
I realize now that I could keep it but I would have to edit in a disclaimer that my views don’t represent the academy’s.
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No need to include the disclaimer because you’re not associated with USNA in any way, so no chance that anyone would misconstrue a connection. Unless your statement somehow implies that there’s a connection. In fact, with the disclaimer, people might assume that there’s a connection, which you don’t want anyway.
 
You also don't need to add disclaimers to something you aren't posting in an official capacity (and generally, wouldn't post something that would require a disclaimer when posting in an official capacity). You certainly don't need to go back and add disclaimers.

Cadets/midshipmen do have opinions, and they have rights to voice those opinions. There are times and situations and times and situations that it's not. There's also more flexibility as a student. What you don't want to do is use your position to make what looks like a policy statement (although most people will know midshipmen and junior officers don't make policy.

I don't post about things my agency does, and I try to keep separation between my my job and personal accounts. When I've had public posts, I've kept my agency and my position out of it. It probably wouldn't take too long to dig it up, but as long as I'm OK with my posts being public, there shouldn't be an issue.
 
MidCakePa said:
No need to include the disclaimer because you’re not associated with USNA in any way, so no chance that anyone would misconstrue a connection. Unless your statement somehow implies that there’s a connection. In fact, with the disclaimer, people might assume that there’s a connection, which you don’t want anyway.
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Haha!! I meant if I got in to USNA, because then I would likely have posts relating me to the college. As of right now I would have nothing.
 
I would say be very careful on what you post. Based on your question, i would assume it pretty much goes along with eveything everyone else is posting so you probably wouldnt get into trouble. . However, what you post today could bite you in the butt 20 years from now. People are looking back at people's commments when they were teenagers and young adults and using the comments to attack their older version
 
Get an alias and use an untraceable email then rant all you want. In today's cancel culture people will try to destroy your life just because your politics may not agree. It's sad but that is the reality and best approach.
 
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Personally, on the subject of Online posts and the Politics of the Day, I would put on your “Caveman Lawyer” hat — I am from another time and place, and I don’t understand the ways of your world, so I am going to defer to the experts and leaders.

Then if somebody asked you what your opinion is, tell them that you:

1. Uphold and Defend the U.S. Constitution.
2. Believe in equality and equal treatment of everyone
3. You will fervently and vigorously defend someone who is illegally being harmed if you are a witness to such action.
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Stay away from this online activity. And instead of protesting, volunteer your time to social causes to improve the livelihood of your brothers and sisters in your community.
.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
There is one other consideration that prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers should think about when it comes to Social Media -- at some point, you may be put in harm's way, and perhaps become a POW. During Vietnam (long before Social Media !), interrogators were able to find personal information about captives in public media, and it was used against them.. I know its heady stuff for an 18 year old to think about, but you should think about how whatever your post could be used against you, particularly if you are contemplating NavAir or Seals.
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My mid received this advice Plebe year and is completely off social media.
 
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