The rights of freedom of speech and assembly are vitally important but are not unlimited. The Coast Guard will not tolerate extremism of any type. Speech or conduct that advances, encourages or advocates criminal activity, violence, illegal use of force, and efforts to deprive individuals of their civil rights, or any form of harassment or unlawful discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, including gender identity and sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or national origin, among other personal characteristics, will not be tolerated. This applies equally to on-line speech. None of us can be indifferent to extremism.
Military members are subject to discipline and punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice if they actively support extremist causes by raising funds, recruiting or training others, taking a visible leadership role, or distributing literature or materials which undermine loyalty to the Constitution, interfere with the performance of duties, threaten discipline, or bring discredit upon the Service. Military members cannot participate in demonstrations or rallies in many circumstances, particularly when the event is a breach of law and order or is likely to result in violence. COMDTINST M1600.2, Discipline and Conduct, provides additional information and guidance. Civilian employees are subject to discipline for conduct that impairs the efficiency of the Federal Service. This may include criminal conduct in or away from the workplace, and other inappropriate conduct in the workplace.
Aligned with recent guidance issued by the Secretary of Defense, we are directing that a service-wide stand-down to confront extremism in the military occur at each unit before 31 March 2021. I expect commanders and supervisors to talk with their crews about this destructive cancer, to lead intrusively, and act when they encounter any indicators of extremism in our ranks. More specific guidance and expectations regarding this stand-down is forthcoming.
As your Commandant and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, we are dedicated to ensuring our Service supports and defends the ideals and institutions created and guaranteed by the Constitution, and that we foster a Service free from hatred, intolerance and extremism. Beyond being an Armed Force, as members of a federal Law Enforcement Agency, we have a special obligation to each other and the citizens whom we serve.
Jason M. Vanderhaden
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
Karl L. Schultz
Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
I’ll say this, we’re gona see a DoD and DHS wide recruiting and retention crisis like ever before. It’s gona be a lot harder to attract and retain folks in this political/social/Cultural climate. Democrats have really shot themselves in the foot on this one.
I don’t think so. True Extremists are rare.
Then again by creating that kind of climate, they are making harder to keep people.
The kind of climate we are trying to create is healthier than one poisoned by hateful speech. The few true extremist we have in the Coast Guard, we can do without.
Then again that’s gona make it very hard to attract and retain people if the military is gona pull that crap. Having the political/social/Cultural climate that we are in where you have to be part of a curtain party or go through a party purity test sounds like very communist to me.
Nicky there will be no problem. Only talking about a few who make life unpleasant for normal people.
BS. Your are confused as to what patriotism means. Those who do not agree with the statement of the Coast Guard leadership have no place in any military service except perhaps a terrorist organization.
I wish in these letters they did a basic reminder to be a good citizen first and to be an active advocate for good citizenship first and foremost. Voting is part of that, but so is writing your Congress people, state, and local officials so they know what you think needs to happen and why. Its also saying what can I do for my community? Want an amendment, start a petition and send it up the chain. But I’m preaching to the choir here.
Don’t know if it is still the case, but there was a norm when I was active, that in the Wardroom, we never discussed religion or politics. Still a good way to minimize friction between people who need to work together.
Party purity pledges like this are a sure fire way of harming the Coast Guard.
Maybe not now, but definitely into the future when the alienation of nearly half of the population filters through to recruitment.
There is no party purity pledge here. It is saying no pushing extremist views while in the service. The pledge as always is to the Constitution, so advocating departing from the Constitutional process is anathema.
I think you will find the Constitution died on January 20th.
You cannot be a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and advocate violating Federal law.
I have tried to avoid talking politics here. This is about Coast Guards here and all over the world. The prohibition against extremism is not about Republicans or Democrats. It does not even prohibit holding extremist views. The prohibition is against openly advocating white supremacy, racism, fascism, communism, secessionism, civil war or overthrowing the Constitution–that sort of thing, not who you vote for.
Why should this be so hard to understand? The Coast Guard is an agency of the Federal Government. It should not be hard to understand that advocating overthrow of the Federal Government is not something we want in the US Coast Guard.
Our oath is to the protect and defend the Constitution. If you can’t get behind that, no you don’t belong in the Coast Guard.
The Constitution covers all of us, from sea to shining sea. And we’re all immigrants. Let’s not forget that. All except the indigenous folks. Otherwise we all fled from somewhere, sought refuge or new beginnings here, or were brought here against our will. But now we’re all American.