Will the U.S. ever have a President who saw combat in OEF or OIF?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tammy_Duckworth

Her, I think, no?

I'm thinking that my old Sqdn Cdr from 1-14th Cav (The then LTC Dana JH Pittard) now Major General Pittard, climbed the ranks rather quickly and has held some very senior level positions throughout the later portion of his career. I cannot comment on his political aspirations as I'm not privy to them on a personal or professional level. However it would not surprise me to see that he enters some form of political profession. He has the personality and the diplomatic skill sets where he is very influential as a leader.

I understand that officers in command positions often have to play the political political game in order to advance their careers (it's just the nature of the beast) and it doesn't always go over so well with the enlisted folks; albeit coming across as unauthentic, canned or just going through the motions.

What I can say is that when he was out commander, he lead by example. There was only one soldier who beat him on a PT test in our entire Squadron (an E-4 SPC who competed on the 17-21 age scale and extended it to compare apples to apples). LTC Pittard (rank at the time) did not hide behind the age technicality. He graciously gave the soldier his personal congratulations and recognized him at a Squadron formation. He gave credit where credit was due and I respect that in a leader.

MAJ Laurie H. I would say we can count on it. If not in 4 years, then definitely in 8. Most likely a General Officer from the Army or Marine Corps would be my guess.

Can you really say that W served?

Maybe, but who knows.

NO

Maybe....but will probably be a few years!

I hope so... I pray so... but it seems like the "presidential gene pool" gets shallower every election...

Already two of the front runners are people who are relatives of past presidents (who don't exactly have awe inspiring track records)/

I agree with what Capt (Join to see) said. Not to start a debate about right or wrong, but look what happened to John Kerry. His Military Service, something which should be an honorable attribute, was made into a mockery. I think that the average American takes for granted that the brave men and women in our Armed Forces are going to be there. How many homeless vets are there? How many commit suicide every day? The average American doesn't give two shits about Service Members. Unless the U.S. is attacked, or it hits close to home. Then everyone throws up their yellow ribbons and starts the parade. I am very cynical about this. I think that some of the brave men and women who have served would make fine candidates for office. I also don't think that a fine candidate matters unless that fine candidate is both a financial machine, and supported by the Republicrats.

I read something like 90% of the presidents served in the military.