The Hatch Act and the Military: Limitations on Political Activity
Military service members are U.S. citizens, and thus free to engage in the political process. At the same time, there are limitations on service members’ political activity,…
Can I Vote While in Uniform? Prohibited Partisan Political Activity Explained
Military service members are held to a high standard of conduct and face restrictions on their freedom of expression that most civilians do not. For example, it is prohibited for…
Ask the Attorney: What Can You Do if You Have Second Thoughts About Your SMART Scholarship?
Question: I am a Ph.D. Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholar in phase 1 and I am having serious second thoughts about my research group, my…
Veterans’ Preference in Federal Hiring: What Federal Job Applicants Need to Know
Veterans who have served our nation may be eligible for valuable hiring advantages when pursuing careers with the federal government. Veterans’ preference is a long-standing…
I Failed a Military Drug Test: What Now?
The United States military employs a “zero-tolerance” standard for drug use while in service, whether you are in the Active or Reserve Component. The expectation is that if a…
More Rights, Stronger Remedies: How the Dole Act Enhances USERRA Protections for Service Members in the Civilian Workforce
Employees who serve in the military should not have to choose between answering their nation’s call and protecting their civilian careers. For more than 30 years, the…
State-Legal Cannabis & Rescheduling: Marijuana Still Off-Limits for Military in 2026
In most states, marijuana is legal in some capacity—at the state level. On December 18, 2025, President Trump’s executive order directed the Attorney General to initiate the…
Ask the attorney: Do I have to obey an unlawful order?
If my commander issues me an unlawful order, do I have to obey it? The short answer is no; you do not have to obey an unlawful order from your commander. The Law of War Manual…
Does USERRA Protect Military Service Members During a Layoff?
Layoffs have been hitting Texans hard: from El Paso to Houston. Conifer’s Health Solution provided notice in September to the Texas Workforce Commission of a layoff impacting…
Protecting Those Who Serve: What Sets USERRA Apart From Other Employment Laws
When an employee experiences unlawful discrimination or retaliation, multiple federal and/or state laws may apply in their case. For example, an employee denied reasonable…