The army is investigating the appearance of two soldiers who appeared in uniform in a video for the Democratic National Convention, and raised concerns about politicizing the army, it said in a statement Wednesday.
During the broadcast of the roll call, two unidentified soldiers were flanked by officials from American Samoa, while the ground was announcing its delegates. Democratic Party spokesman Xochitl Hinojosa called her appearance “an oversight” because defense department rules prohibit troops from appearing in uniform at partisan political or campaign events.
“Each state was asked to highlight issues and values that are most important and the U.S. Samoa delegation wanted to highlight their commitment to military service when they filmed their segment,” the official said.
American Samoa has among the highest rate military enrollment of any U.S. state or territory.
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“Wearing a uniform at a partisan political event like this is prohibited,” said Colonel Lt. Col. Emanuel Ortiz in a statement. “The Army follows the long-standing and well-defined policy of the Department of Defense regarding political campaigns and elections to prevent the perception of DoD sponsorship, approval or endorsement of any political candidate, campaign or cause.
In this video image, Aliitama Sotoa and Petti Matila of American Samoa speak during the state vote on the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)
“Examples of prohibited political activities include campaigning for a candidate, soliciting contributions, marching in a partisan parade, and wearing the uniform to a partisan event.”
Earlier this year, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper published a period of reminder to troops to keep in mind in an election year to “preserve the long-standing tradition of DoD to remain apolitical as we carry out our official responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s platform calls for an end to “the politicization of the Trump administration’s armed forces.”
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