Via theblogprof. Believe it or not, they actually banned the media entirely at first.

[Fort Bragg spokesman Tom] McCollum said the Army did not want the Monday event to become a platform to express political opinions “directed against the commander in chief.”

“The main reason is to stop this from turning into a political platform,” he said. “There are Army regulations that basically prohibit military reservations from becoming political platforms by politicians.”

He said only one politician can use that platform, “and that person does it as our commander in chief.”…

“This will stop someone from grandstanding,” he said. Other members of the public would be permitted to attend.

The AP and a local paper put up a fuss so the base relented and is now granting limited access — provided that neither Palin herself nor anyone else there is interviewed. They’re not worried about Sarahcuda, I don’t think; hopefully, she’s disinclined to bash the C-in-C in front of a military audience. They’re worried about conservative troops chattering with each other about politics, getting worked up, and then being roped in by reporters eager for an anti-Obama quote or two to prove that the right-wingers in the military hate America or whatever. NPR argues that it’s stupid to ban the press since anyone who wants to grandstand publicly about The One is going to do so anyway on YouTube, but (a) it’s a lot more embarrassing to the military if it happens at a base-sponsored event and (b) being with like-minded people at a political gathering is apt to entice some troops who might not otherwise say anything into speaking up.

A question for troops and vets: Are media bans when political figures drop by a common thing? And how limited are you in offering political opinions when you’re on base? I know that opining while in uniform is a no-no, but presumably this crowd will be in civilian dress. If so, can your C.O. order you to keep your mouth shut during the book signing because you’re on military property (civilian dress or no) or can you speak freely once you’re off-duty? I’m guessing it’s the latter or else there’d be no need for a media blackout, would there?