Posted on Jul 27, 2014
SrA Ronald Schwenk Jr
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Should the commander in chief have military experience
This is just a question and not meant to disrespect anybody.
While I was in the Military (1980-88) I served under the Presidents unquestionably.
As a Veteran I often sit and think.
Being Commander in Chief and asking our soldiers to put their life on the line. Shouldn't you have served before asking our Military to do something you never have?
With all due respect. I just believe we should have a Military Requirement before you can be Commander in Chief.
What do you think?
This is a duplicate discussion. Click below to see more on this topic.
SFC Military Police
I feel it should be law that all political office members from president on down should have to have served in the military before they can be voted into office. If these people are going to have the power to decide who and when we go to war they should know what it is like to lead in the military. Far too many of our leaders have never served, and neither have their children yet they vote to send ours to war.&nbsp;<div>I recall at the height of the war in 2006 when politicians were considering a draft or mandatory conscription service. However they were silent when asked if their own children would be subject to the requirements of such a requirement.</div><div>A doctor must go to med school before they can legally practice medicine so the president should have to be a veteran before they can be commander in chief.</div>
Responses: 76
LTC Stephen F.
Not necessarily LTC Jason Bartlett. While military experience can be beneficial, unimpeachable character and wisdom in terms of international affairs is much more important.
LTC Yinon Weiss
Edited >1 y ago
I agree with the others, military service is a plus, but the American voter should be allowed to vote for his preferred candidate and not be limited to a small subset of the population. President FDR did just fine guiding our country through WWII, as did President Woodrow Wilson in WWI. One of my favorite Presidents, Thomas Jefferson... author of the US Declaration of Independence, and contributor to some of our most preciously safeguarded rights, had no military service other than an effectively honorary commission. Meanwhile, Richard Nixon served in WWII and I don't know if that helped him in Vietnam. In short, I believe the American voter should have the freedom to vote for who he or she feels can best lead this great nation.
CPT Battalion Fire Direction Officer
Civilian control of the military was designed on purpose in the Constitution. Military experience is not necessary, that is why there are advisors (JCS) who are experts. Otherwise as soon as military experience became necessary, then it would turn into a degree of how much and what type of experience. Does a 2 year E3 have enough experience? Does a 6 year O3 have the right credentials? What branch is important? What job or positions of experience.

No, military experience is not important. The same reason officers don't need to have enlisted experience because they have enlisted advisors.

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