G. Conflicts of Interest Under federal law and the JER, personnel shall not engage in any personal business or professional activity that places them in a position of conflict between their private interests and the public interest of the US. In order to preserve the public confidence in the Army, even the appearance of a conflict of interest must be avoided. The following general rules apply: 1. Inside Information Army personnel shall not use inside information to further a private gain for themselves or others if that information was obtained by reason of their position and is not generally available to the public. 2. Commercial Solicitation Active duty members shall not engage in commercial solicitations or solicited sales to DoD personnel junior in rank at any time. 3. Fundraising Although there are exceptions for the Combined Federal Campaign and the Army Emergency Relief Fund, fundraising is not allowed in the federal workplace. For rules and exceptions on fundraising see AR 600-29 and consult your ethics counselor. 4. Endorsement DoD employees are prohibited from using their grades, titles or positions in connection with any commercial enterprise or for endorsing a commercial product. DoD employees must not use their official capacities and titles, positions, or organization names to suggest official endorsement or preferential treatment of any non-Federal entity. 5. Outside Employment DoD employees are prohibited from accepting employment outside of the Army if it interferes with or is not compatible with the performance of government duties, or if it might discredit the government. Commanders typically approve outside employment. There are several service restrictions that apply when a DoD employee is presented with an offer to speak at an event, lecture, or write on a particular topic. Commanders are highly encouraged to consult with their servicing judge advocate or ethics counselor prior to accepting an offer to teach, speak, or write.