Should politicians be required to serve?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 20:17:55 -0500

I have felt strongly about the Commander in Chief being a position that requires military service...but what about the Vice, Speaker of the House, and even our Senators...where do we draw the line? I certainly think the Secretary of the Defense, and even some ambassadors should have military service. If we are reliant on non-military politicians to make decisions that place our lives on the line, doesn't it make sense we ask they have prior service before serving? I jokingly say this, but if Senators and Representatives had to go on the front line of battle, we would have a lot less wars. What do you think? Should formal military service be required for the top 10 positions in the chain of command for succession to President?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 8:39 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 20:39:39 -0500

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, while it would be great if politicians had military service in their background, I think that a requirement to serve is unrealistic. We can "vote up" (vote for) candidates who do have military service and send our own "little" message from veterans.

I agree that things would be different - from wars to compensation, budgets, etc. - if politicians were required to serve in the military before holding federal office (House/Senate, I mean).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 12:34 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:34:56 -0500

SSG....if not required to serve, I would say at least have a tie to the service (wife, husband, brother, son, etc)...so that they at least have a better understanding of what we go through.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 7 at 2016 11:43 PM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 07 May 2016 23:43:14 -0400

No, the last thing I want is someone with 3-6 years junior level experience that thinks they know as much as senior military leadership.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 13 at 2021 10:59 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 22:59:28 -0400

NO person that is not a veteran should be allowed to hold a public office that can make the decision to deploy US Troops....NO ONE that has not had the balls to wear the uniform should be able to deploy those that do.
I believe that being an HONORABLY Discharged or RETIRED Veteran should be a prerequisite for Federal Office at all levels.