2 days ago I tweeted about @RepDougCollins using his military uniform in a @CollinsforGA campaign ad. It's much worse and advocates are calling for a real investigation and UCMJ punishment for the Congressman for violating DOD regs and norms. Strap in for a thread! #Georgia
So what's the reg? DoD Directive 1344.10, “Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces,” details what is and what is not allowed in campaign materials for active, reserve, or retired members of the military running for office. It's very precise. esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Doc…
Only photos of the candidate in uniform allowed are photos as part of the their biographical information, when accompanied by other non-military photos, and when also accompanied by a disclaimer stating that the appearance of the photo in uniform doesn’t imply a DoD endorsement.
Collins blows off this bit: "4.3.2.1. Use or allow the use of photographs, drawings, and other similar media formats of themselves in uniform as the primary graphic representation in any campaign media, such as a billboard, brochure, flyer, Web site, or television commercial."
Why is Collins actions so egregious? He's not just an old veteran leveraging his time in service. No, he's a currently serving U.S. Air Force Reserve Chaplain. He is stomping on the regulation and the UCMJ and daring the military to stop him. Inexplicably...they are not. Why? 
DOD has no problem rolling in on even the smallest violations of this regulation by Active, National Guard or Reserve members. 2 USAR soldiers and their chain-of-command in American Samoa have been punished for a brief appearance during the DNC. stripes.com/news/army/dod-…
But look at Doug Collins. He has put out ad after ad in direct violation of the law. This undermines the sacred trust of the American people that their military is apolitical. The swear an oath to the Constitution not to a party or President. It is the cornerstone our Republic.
He's grossly politicizing the uniform. Where is @EsperDoD and @USAFReserve Commanding General LTG Richard Scobee? Why are you allowing such a blatant violation? Why are you not issuing a cease and desist and bring him up on charges? It doesn't matter if he is a Congressman.
It's outrageous that he is doing it and even more disgusting that the political messages include such barely veiled racist messages like this ad targeting Stacey Abrams. Collins isn't just wrapping himself in the uniform he is using it as a weapon and it's unacceptable.
The team at the Military Religious Freedom Foundation under @MikeyWeinstein has sent a letter to Secretary Esper demanding he be brought up on charges for this outrageous behavior. Other VSO's are silent. #MRFF dailykos.com/stories/2020/1…
Bottom line is Doug Collins campaign to win a Senate seat in Georgia has involved multiple violations of DOD Regulations. Any service member would face criminal investigations and punishment. This officer deserves the same. Also vote for Raphael Warnock. #LincolnProject
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