WASHINGTON -- U.S. Army officials say soldiers like the one at Fort Drum who shared photos of himself with pro-communist messages under his uniform have the right to join political parties and engage in speech that many Americans may find offensive.

Soldiers are permitted to be members of the Communist Party, American Nazi Party, or in the case of Army 2nd Lt. Spenser Rapone, a supporter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

But Rapone, assigned to Fort Drum's 10th Mountain Division, may have crossed a line for acceptable conduct this week when he tweeted photos of himself in his dress uniform to make a political statement.

That's why Fort Drum commanders launched an investigation into Rapone that could result in administrative or punitive action, said Tonya Stokes, speaking for the Northern New York military post.

"Both the Department of Defense and the Army have long-standing policies encouraging soldiers to participate in the democratic process," Stokes said in a statement.

"Among other activities, soldiers are encouraged to vote in elections and express their personal opinions on public issues," Stokes said. "However, the Army has strict rules regarding the wear and appearance of Army uniforms. The appropriate command authorities are reviewing the situation."

Rapone on Thursday had changed the settings on his Twitter account to private mode, taking his tweet out of the public domain.

Before doing that, Rapone publicly shared two photos on Twitter this week from his graduation in May at the U.S. Military Academy. One photo showed Rapone in his dress uniform revealing a message under his cap stating, "Communism will win."

His tweet included a hashtag supporting NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's protests for racial equality.

A second tweet showed a photo of Rapone revealing a Che Guevara T-shirt under his dress uniform at West Point. He wrote, "In case there was any lingering doubt, hasta la Victoria siempre."

Fort Drum commanders could decide to initiate disciplinary action against Rapone if they believe he violated Army regulations spelling out when it is prohibited to wear the uniform.

The regulation states, "Wearing Army uniforms is prohibited in the following situations: In connection with the furtherance of any political or commercial interests, or when engaged in off duty civilian employment. When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public demonstrations, except as authorized by the first O-5 in the chain of command. When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Army, as determined by the commander."

Violations could result in administrative action against the solider, or more serious punitive charges under provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Fort Drum would likely make public any punitive charges, Stokes sad, but not administrative action.

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