Should we have more Veterans running for elected offices at all levels?

A better question is why don't more run for office? As a mildly disabled career retired veteran, I personally don't care about whether or not the candidate has military experience, but the best ideas for us to succeed and prosper as a nation.

I personally believe that we need a larger voice in our government. When we don the uniform, it is incumbent upon us to follow the directives of our elected leadership. That doesn't mean our elected leadership knows what they are doing. We have an obligation to fulfill our oath, but I think we can objectively look at policy that has had a negative impact on both our Armed Forces and on our Nation. Our elected government's veteran population has been in steady decline since the 1980's. Where a far greater slice of the population contributed to WWII, Korea, & Vietnam with uniformed service, we have watched the number of veterans fade. Our last two presidential elections (the last 8 years) had both major party candidates (and their running mates) having zero military experience. That is an interesting dynamic. Additionally, although not elected only SECNAV Mabus is the only Service Secretary that has any uniformed experience (3 years in the Navy from 1970-1972 and made O-2). The Army and Air Force have career civilians. "Bureaucrats" has a negative connotation. I think it is important at the federal level for the decision makers to have a solid grasp on the consequences of courses of actions.

The beauty of our government is that we are lead by the collective wisdom, skills, and experiences of our elected representatives and executive leadership. When veterans are not a key contributor to that particular power... you have leadership that lacks the collective wisdom, skills, and experience to make decisions that affect our Armed Forces and National Security. I think as the torch gets passed from the Baby-Boomers to the next generation, veterans will be essential to the future. You can say what you will about "millennials," but they have been shouldered with the longest war in US History. They have seen victory on the battlefield, only to be negated by poor policy. The percentage of the millennial population that serves is not proportionately equivalent to our Grandparents' generation. But with that said, we have some phenomenal experiences and expertise that should have a command voice in the halls of our legislature, executive branch, and judiciary.

Yes we should... But they Need to Make the decisions and not be forced into the Positions...