Can a Coast Guard member serve as an elected official during normal work hours and in uniform?

Can a Coast Guard member serve as an elected official during normal work hours and in uniform?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if approved by chain of command
• D. Only if resigns from service

Answer: (B)

Only as a civilian. While on active duty, wearing the uniform and performing duty means you’re focused on military responsibilities, not civilian political offices. Holding elected office is a political role, and active-duty status prohibits serving in such a capacity while in uniform or during work hours. To pursue elected office, you would need to resign (or retire) from service and run as a private citizen. In off-duty, off-uniform times, you can participate in politics as a civilian, but not while you’re on duty or in uniform.

Only as a civilian. While on active duty, wearing the uniform and performing duty means you’re focused on military responsibilities, not civilian political offices. Holding elected office is a political role, and active-duty status prohibits serving in such a capacity while in uniform or during work hours. To pursue elected office, you would need to resign (or retire) from service and run as a private citizen. In off-duty, off-uniform times, you can participate in politics as a civilian, but not while you’re on duty or in uniform.