Out of 44 presidents in our nation’s history only 12 do not have any military experience. Traditionally it’s been practically a prerequisite for the Commander and Chief to have first hand insight into life in the armed forces. John F. Kennedy focused his campaign around his WWII experience. A brochure he published in 1960 commented that he was "a much decorated war hero of World War II" and noted "his four years of service as an officer in the Armed Forces."
However this year the names most mentioned as candidates for the conservative ticket have more experience doing campaign tours instead of combat tours. Rep. Ron Paul and Texas Gov. Rick Perry are the only 2 out of 16 possible presidential prospects who have served in the military. If neither Paul nor Perry are chosen to run, for the first time in 70 years voters would be deciding between 2 strictly civilian candidates since Obama was never in the service.
"I don't see a lot of evidence that it matters to voters anymore," Former Senator and disabled Vietnam veteran Bob Kerrey (D-Neb) speculated, "We have an all-volunteer force now. Once people didn't have real skin in the game, they began to lose interest." He notes that if the draft were still in place the issue would resonate in more American homes. His views correspond with those of Anthony Cordesman, an analyst who has advised the Obama administration on its policy in Afghanistan. Cordesman says, "You've asked a very small part of America to take most of the risks for America. I don't think the 2012 Republican slate is as much an issue as the level of sacrifice that's being asked of a very small proportion of America to make."
When asked many Americans do not feel military service is a must for a presidential hopeful while others are concerned that it won’t even be an option. They feel it’s particularly important with one of the primary topics of debate on the ticket being the presence of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Currently the conflict in Afghanistan is the nation’s longest war ever and its outcome will be affected by the decisions of whoever is elected next.
What do you think? Do you think it is important for our next President to have served in the armed forces? Please submit your comments.
For more information on Armed Services jobs, check out: http://www.armedservicesjobs.com/
By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a multimedia developer, business owner and a work-from-home mom.
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