Officers' endorsement tests First Amendment boundary.
Ken Walker | posted 9/10/2007 09:01AM
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Officers' role in Christian video probed | The Army and Air Force are considering disciplinary action against seven officers — including four generals — who violated ethics rules by assisting a Christian group in the production of a fundraising video (Associated Press)
Geren cleared in inquiry of Christian group's video | An 8-month Pentagon inquiry has cleared Army Secretary Pete Geren of participating in a Christian promotional video three years ago but concludes that seven high-ranking military officers who also appeared in the video violated Pentagon ethics rules (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Tex.)
Langley general could be punished for role in Christian video | A general at Langley Air Force Base could face discipline for violating regulations by wearing his uniform in a fundraising video for an evangelical Christian group, according to a government report (The Virginian-Pilot)
General got 2006 reprimand | The Langley Air Force Base general facing punishment for appearing in a 2004 Christian fundraising video was reprimanded last year for using his military e-mail account to solicit support for a Christian congressional candidate (Daily Press, Hampton Roads, Va.)
Pentagon: Hold on, Christian soldiers! | The new Inspector General's report will hardly reduce the flow of Weinstein's hate mail. But it constitutes an instance of official support for some of his concerns (Time)
Not Just Chaplains" discussed some of the ethical challenges ministries to the military have to consider.
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I served twenty years in the Air Force, most as a JAG officer. The problem is making a fund-raising video in uniform for a project the DOD does not and cannot endorse. If they were merely making testimonial statements affirming their personal religious beliefs, even in uniform, they would be within the zone of free speech and freedom of religion, so long as no one was forced to watch the video, but it was shown at voluntary church venues. It would be no different from the officers appearing in person in uniform at church, which they can do. Use of the Pentagon as a "studio" is also improper. They should have filmed at a public location like the Mall or even the World War II memorial. My guess is that these officers were relying on the chaplain's assurances that everything was "kosher". Unfortunately, chaplains are not trained in the nuances of the law and conflict of interest regulations, and I have had to tell chaplains their project was illegal or even unconstitutional.
Lee
Posted: September 10, 2007 2:27 PM
What is overlooked is the main point. It is not first ammendment but being in uniform. Each of these officers would be fine in the movie/film out of uniform. It is not proper for someone in positions of authority to use their rank to influence faith issues.
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