The United States Military and all who serve in the Total Force, whether Active Duty, National Guard or Reserve, occupy a sacred place in American democracy. Since the country’s birth, the line of demarcation between the engagement of the armed forces and our political institutions and processes, including local, state, and federal elections, has been clear. Service members declare an oath not to any one political party or cause, but to support and defend the Constitution. In recognition of the critical role that our military plays as an apolitical pillar of our democracy, this explainer was compiled by members of Truman National Security Project with civilian-military and legal expertise. It is intended to provide service members, and the decision makers who lead them, with the information and guidance they need to support and defend the Constitution this November and beyond.