No, you can’t protest in uniform.

Recently, images and video surfaced of a Navy sailor screaming at a riot police officer during the protests for Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Since, we’ve discovered that the sailor, who in the video is uncovered and has out-of-standards facial hair, is a Third-class Petty Officer Naval reservist.

Throughout the video, he continually screams at the officer, insisting that he is the “third image” on “USS Kaufman.” While it isn’t clear what, exactly, the sailor did during his seven-year stint in the reserves (he left the service in 2014), a lot of questions have arisen about what you can and can’t do politically while in uniform.

Since the sailor in question is no longer in the service, any regulations pertaining to wear of the uniform are largely moot, but he is technically breaking the law. When you’re done, you hang up the uniform. I don’t condone chasing this guy down and punishing him in a civilian court, but it certainly is in poor taste to use the uniform to add some kind of weight to your political stance.

As a reminder to all active duty, per DoD Directive 1344.10, you are not allowed to wear your uniform to protests. You can attend them, but you cannot be seen as a representative of your service branch while attending them. Failure to adhere might result in a good ol’ Article 92.

Remember to celebrate the commitment you once made to protect your fellow Americans’ rights. If it means getting out in the streets and making your voice heard, do it! But leave the uniform at home.

Make sure and take a look at Navy Crow’s new line of veteran-themed steins (perfect for celebrating), such as the US Veteran Stein!