Should CinC and politicians be veterans who have been deployed?

MSgt Matthew Meindl — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:21:18 -0400

Can politicians truly understand what they are sending military members into (conditions, stress, harm, etc.) if they have never experienced it?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 1:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:29:00 -0400

No they shouldn't have to be veterans who have deployed. Yes, someone can understand the difficulties and not deploy.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 17 at 2015 1:36 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:36:52 -0400

Initially it would help, but lets face facts after a year or two of having interest groups and lobbyist showering them with gifts and seeing other politicians gladly selling them selves they too will forget about us. Get rid of the loop holes on lobbyist and special interest groups is the best solution.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 17 at 2015 1:37 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:37:55 -0400

This question was already posted on another thread...

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 17 at 2015 1:38 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:38:12 -0400

No, but they should surround themselves with military experts (who are actual veterans) who can explain those things to them.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Jul 17 at 2015 1:44 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:44:59 -0400

It seems that many politicians are put of touch with their constituents primarily based on the problems that never seem to be fully resolved. These include but are not limited to unemployment, poverty, hunger, homelessness, health care and the military life.

Many people feel that someone who hasn't served in the military isn't worthy of a political office. I think what this country needs is more leadership in Congress and in the White House that understands the people...the ordinary Joes in society. I'm not saying it would be perfect, but maybe if securing votes was all about a person's authenticity, compassion and motivation to strengthen our nation instead of securing a fat donation, perhaps we could get on the right track.

Of course, this is just wishful thinking.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made Jul 17 at 2015 1:54 PM

SPC Jeffrey Bly — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:54:13 -0400

Do you perhaps think most people would enlist if they knew what they are giving up and how many never recover? who wishes to live Disabled or with PTSD or Stress, Anxiety, Depression? These are real struggles that many men, women and their families live with everyday. Some people are suited for it. Others are not. There has to be a better way.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Jul 17 at 2015 1:57 PM

CPO Joseph Grant — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:57:55 -0400

Only if we change the Constitution. Personally, while I don't have a solution, I'd love to see the cult of personality disappear.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 17 at 2015 2:08 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 14:08:28 -0400

As much as I'd like to say yes, you can't. They are called civilian leaders for a reason. My personal feelings are if you want to have the authority to send a SM potentially to their death, then you should have some experience in military leadership. I can't say that having a congress with more veterans in it would make that much of a difference with party polarization so deeply rooted in the past decade or so and congressmen more afraid of losing votes than voting for what's right.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 17 at 2015 3:38 PM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 15:38:23 -0400

Not necessarily deployed but the President should have served in the military. The act of signing on the dotted line and saying my life is yours to do with what you will would be enough for me.

Response by Rick Wiseman made Jul 17 at 2015 5:40 PM

Rick Wiseman — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 17:40:39 -0400

I didn't have to deploy to watch 2 of my AIRBORNE MP brothers die on a jump. The issues of serving can be understood by those who haven't deployed.... Getting to the question though my Cousin (Ret MSGT promotable to CSM) and I had this discussion just yesterday, we both think that anyone holding a Political position should have a minimum of 2 years Military Service. Civilians can thank you, they can say they know what we feel but, that doesn't change the fact they have never put their ass on the line to defend the rights they freely enjoy without the risk of sacrifice!

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 17 at 2015 6:02 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 18:02:30 -0400

No, it would create a ruling class, require the US to be in nearly a perpetual state of war and negate about 99% of the potential candidates (but still leave some real goobers in the running). Leading a country is far, FAR more than knowing what the military needs.

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Jul 17 at 2015 7:30 PM

SFC Dennis Yancy — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 19:30:30 -0400

Only of they served. We need more Vets in Congress.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jul 17 at 2015 7:35 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 19:35:49 -0400

Interesting question. My gut reaction is "no." Politicians will never "get it." Politicians are (well, "should be") instruments of the constituents. The military is an instrument of the politicians. The elected need to do their job. We need to do ours. Besides, I'd hate to see a Congressman embedded with an infantry battalion.

Response by SGT Douglas Blackwood made Jul 19 at 2015 3:36 PM

SGT Douglas Blackwood — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 15:36:45 -0400

Military service should be a significant consideration. But in relation to the general population there are very few Veterans, I doubt it will become a requirement.

Response by SrA Katherine Hedlund made Jul 31 at 2019 11:20 AM

SrA Katherine Hedlund — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 11:20:08 -0400

Those on the various committees that deal with military issues should be veterans who have seen deployment. Maybe one or two who were not may be a balancing effect, but too many do not.