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

LT D, Ma'am having a future POTUS with prior service experience plus combat zone experience would be great because I assume they would know what the troops go through. That might cause a POTUS to be more sensitive to our needs in terms of health care and other needs for SMs currently serving, and for our Veterans.

I think the image is being MIGHTY generous saying Bush junior served...

A very interesting and thought provoking question. I do think that we will see a president from this Era eventually. Many have served during this long drawn out conflict and the numbers are far more than any other war most likely.

I would like to think it possible in this day and age, however I constantly ask myself and then others, who wishes to be President? Would anyone with a sane mind and sound body wish to have such a responsibility and for what? To be called the POTUS? In a time where we are seeking to be a "Profession of Arms" with honorable service, is politics something an honorable person would take on? Every politician whom I recall was honorable at taking office, who kept it during office, normally is not still in office.

Maybe retired LTC Allen West? Hey, I might consider it. The only problem is that I really don't like getting my hands dirty (in politics).

I actually have ambitions to run for president. I understand what it entails, and I have a pretty solid handle on what I need as far as platforms and etc. This is a long time away, but still.

Sure.. we've gone from citizen soldier to community organizer... we've hit bottom and should start over.

I sure hope so. Unfortunately, some of the best leaders have left or have been otherwise dismissed. I think it would sure help our foreign policy to have a CINC with a field-perspective of employing us, knowing death may be a side-effect (and what that looks like to a widow, son/daughter or a mom & dad).

I think in time, a candidate who served in Irag and Afghanistan will run for president and probably be elected. I do not think it is necessarily a must, but I think a president with military service has a better understanding of the needs of the military and what sacrifices those who serve make. It is obvious to me that the clown in the White House now has no idea of what the military sacrifces and I wonder if he even cares. We have had others who served, who like Obama were clueless, Jimmy Carter comes to mind. My personal opinion, the best president we have had since WWII was Eisenhower. His legacy of the interstate highway system and his stand on civil rights have opened the door for both our economy and our society. People forget Ike was the president who forced integration in Little Rock and in our schools. It took time to spread, but on his watch, the nation became more aware and the term we are all created equal had meaning, maybe for the first time.

Let's get one on the right path, right now! Who should be "our" 2020 candidate. Hope I am alive to see it. Male, female, Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard, active, reserve, guard. As long as it is a veteran with proven performance under pressure that has common sense, courage, fortitude for the tough job and loves this great country, then I am on board!