Who has thought about politics after the military?

CW2 Joseph Evans — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 20:14:22 -0500

How many of you have thought about going into politics after the military? <br>Pros and cons?<br>Office you would seek?<br><br>A follow up, I declared for one of the State House seats this last week. Thank you all for your advice.<br>

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 9 at 2014 8:28 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 20:28:15 -0500

Chief, You and I both know the reality of things such as this, while many veterans and first timers have great intentions about politics and making a change or difference, the truth is that many don't last past their first term, because if they don't fall in line with the status quo and the senior leaders, they will not be re-elected or forced out.

I have known a few over the last decade that have tried at all levels from local to state to federal, and all have hit the same roadblocks, some do cave to the pressure and become compliant of the network, but many either give up or are pushed out during the re-election attempt.

If I was to do it, I would probably stay within my local community and try and be the public servant to them just as I was to my country, although I have a big problem with bureaucracy at times, so not sure how long I would last or even get in to begin with.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 9 at 2014 9:00 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 21:00:16 -0500

This doesn't directly answer your question, but for those interested in politics, there is a great training session in DC each year specifically for military veterans who are running, or considering a run for public office:<div><br></div><div>http://www.veteranscampaign.org/<br></div><div><br></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://bespeckled.net/vetcampaign/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/vet-campaign-logo1.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.veteranscampaign.org/">Veterans Campaign</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Non-Partisan Campaign Training For Veterans</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Jan 9 at 2014 10:28 PM

MAJ Joseph Parker — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 22:28:06 -0500

CW2 Evans: Worked with a lot of politicians, and it takes a special person to do that kind of work. Just a recommendation to anybody thinking of doing it: Forget political party stuff.The most successful politicians are the ones who serve their constituency, and not the ones who are in office to serve themselves or to "change the system". Whether one runs for dog catcher, sewer commission, or Congress; constituency affairs and service to your constituents (regardless of their conduct or merit) is what it's all about. One needs to be REAL gregarious and have the patience of Job. If you can't do that, you won't survive. An elected official always has to cut the cake equally so everybody thinks they have the biggest piece. These observations are from working with many, many elected officials in the US federal, state and local governments. Hopefully there are some RP members who are or have been elected to office who can confirm my observations or call BS on them!

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 12 at 2014 3:13 AM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 03:13:13 -0500

Great question, after leaving active duty, I ran for a state house race against a well entrenched incumbent, lost by about 550 votes. I am now chair of the HI GOP. One thing to note is that it is very different from the military and the transition isn't as clear cut as we would like it to be. Having a military background helps, but unlike the military where our goal is to accomplish the mission, politics involves <i>politics, </i>where it is a game to see who has the upper hand. In the military we don't care who gets the credit, but it matters here since it can mean the difference between winning and losing.<div><br></div><div>In addition, there is a big difference between campaigning and legislating. You have to raise money, communicate/message effectively, ID and <span id="36c38acb-6b50-4c40-ae51-f44c5b0cf322" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="713dd0ed-cea4-4131-8ecf-df625e9dac68" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">microtarget</span> voters, deal with different coalitions and issues based groups, endure hostile people, learn to deal with the different personalities, and really have to make sure you know who to trust. Another big thing I have learned is that in most cases, the military people did things in good faith. Even though there are mistakes, it wasn't done purposely. In politics, sometimes they are. </div><div><br></div><div>The planning is very similar to the military. You also have to study your opponents so this is where the <span id="18acd61d-6e2b-4bd6-be7b-a6c7bea8ca00" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="1de53fc5-82f6-4fd7-8b99-e30a777c579d" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">intel</span> portion comes in and create your courses of action. What we call the "air" <span id="914747ba-6604-4f1a-8af8-ca456ef8eb9c" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="51e9309c-1bf3-49ac-b567-04821ee53536" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">war</span> are the mailers, TV, radio, social media. What we call the "ground" war is going door-to-door, <span id="2b2f209d-db43-471c-9a2e-7c9f890d53e4" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="b1a5fb7f-5371-4556-af88-b099b8560884" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">signwaving</span>, host events, etc. You need both in order to win. This part the military training we all had is very helpful. But when people start getting involved and want their own way, it is important to deal with them in the best way. Tip O'Neil said that "All politics is local." It is true, you have to know the issues, show that you care. They don't care what you know until they know that you care. Sometimes us military folk just want to get the job done, many times in the political world, that can push people off.</div><div><br></div><div>A lot more to talk <span id="202067d5-f823-4750-8c15-111506f76454" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="afc0b1bd-a810-4dd5-b1c3-819c390290b6" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">about but</span> this just scratches the surface!</div>

Response by MAJ Gregory M. made Jan 15 at 2014 8:39 PM

MAJ Gregory M. — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 20:39:08 -0500

Seriously thinking of it now, in Colorado. A friend I served with in 5th Group is running this year in Virginia: http://chucklewisforcongress.com/

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Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 10:04 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 10:04:24 -0500

Talk about "right time, right place" as per this question. I am actually running for Texas State senate in district 25. I made the decision when I came to the realization that many in Texas have been thrown beneath foot and forgotten what it means to be free. I have always considered Texas to be the last real vestige of freedom left in the country (my honest opinion). I decided to run on a Libertarian platform on the basis of individual rights and freedoms in an effort to uphold the US and State constitutions. It is hard to describe in any great detail what the pro's or con's of running will be as I am sure it is different for everyone. Living in the public eye is never very fun I think. However, if your heart and mind are in the right place and you choose to run for office with the real intent to serve the individual (not the public) and actually want to uphold the constitution then you will do fine. Political parties and the main stream media seem to have forgotten that it is not the government who should decide the fate of the citizens of the United States, but the individual people themselves.

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Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 23 at 2014 10:16 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 10:16:30 -0500

Once I am done with the military, I will continue my civic duties of voting, but to actually be a participant? H E double hockey stick NO!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 10:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 10:24:26 -0500

Good luck

Response by SGT Robert Holt made Feb 23 at 2014 10:43 AM

SGT Robert Holt — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 10:43:22 -0500

Yes, and I will, but not because it is something I wanted to have to do. What I really want, is to live in peace, work in my trade, and raise my family with my wife without the fear that my neighbors, my local law enforcement, or my local, state, and federal governments will decide that my rights as an individual, which are protected by the Constitution we've all sworn to uphold and defend, aren't really so inalienable. I don't want to have to worry whether this same group will come for my guns, my property, my life, or my family members. But it looks more and more to me as though I'm not going to be afforded that luxury. I can't tell you just how much I resent that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 11:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 11:41:00 -0500

I think if you haven't at least taken the time to consider it in depth and you are beyond your first enlistment yet still truly believe in your Oath and the principles of this Nation than you are very wrong. Especially if you dislike the short shrift we Service Members and Veterans seem to get in the capitol anymore when budgets or war fighting in general are the topic. If the fact that very few Vets run for office (at ANY level) anymore wasn't bad enough, we can barely get our troops to vote. The one Right that is not limited at all by our choice of service and the larger majority of enlisted members do not participate. We are wrong and irresponsible.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 12:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 12:51:14 -0500

As SGT Holt said, I don't think running for public office is because many of us WANT to. Many of us have put in more time and effort away from the house and family than we care to dwell on but pause tho think about WHY we did that: wasn't it because we believed in something and wanted to protect that (as well our buddies left and right)? Stop and listen to the debate that had been ongoing in our country and only becoming more heated concerning our Constitutional Rights. Is the American ideal not what we wanted to protect? Does our chosen Duty end when we ETS or retire? Regardless if which side of the debate you fall on, it affects you and bears on everything your Oath stands for. It is a civic duty of every adult US citizen to be involved in the direction of this country; a duty all to often left derelict or not taken seriously at full value. But what about our duty to be involved? I believe that if we do not involve ourselves then we are just as culpable as the career politicians who've done nothing other than stand on their title of office and take in reward for themselves.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Feb 23 at 2014 8:48 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 20:48:11 -0500

Good Luck

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Mar 19 at 2014 9:59 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:59:13 -0400

Service members have been groomed for politics early in their careers, however brief or long. Knowledge of current events and testing knowledge with promotion or soldiers boards, etc...even for the not so saavy there are political nuances that service members live in.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jun 20 at 2018 12:08 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 00:08:21 -0400

Military service is a plus when it comes to politics but it doesn't guarantee success. Basically you have to be the kind of person a majority of your constituents like and trust. In addition to you military and professional background you should be involved with a lot of community organizations where community leaders will get to know you and, hopefully, support your political ambitions. Remember that images and not issues win campaigns. It's more important that people think you are a "good guy" than having a long list of things you want to accomplish. A state legislative seat is a good place to start. Get close to the leaders of your party and see how you can help them reach their goals. The more money you have the more political independence you will have - plan accordingly. Remember this - few pieces of legislation are important to everyone but every piece of legislation is important to someone.