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

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 09:18:19 -0500

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 17 at 2016 9:20 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 09:20:53 -0500

This question has been floated around RP a lot of time. The overall answer is yes but I for one would find it hard to work within the confines of politics. I rather stay in the non-profit realm.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 17 at 2016 9:40 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 09:40:27 -0500

No. I am not a fan of diversity for diversity sake. If veterans want to run for office, then great, but we shouldn't be forcing anyone to fill a position that they may have zero interest.

The beautiful thing about equal opportunity is we all have the freedom to forge our own destinies. That being said though, being a veteran does not guarantee someone would be good at the job.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 17 at 2016 9:40 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 09:40:56 -0500

I think a good combination of veterans and non-vets would help improve.

Response by CPT Nicholas D. made Nov 17 at 2016 9:56 AM

CPT Nicholas D. — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 09:56:21 -0500

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.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Nov 17 at 2016 10:05 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 10:05:08 -0500

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.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Nov 17 at 2016 10:23 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 10:23:28 -0500

Couldn't hurt. So damn few members of society that wave the flag ever wore it, and that number as a proportion of the population isn't getting any bigger; thus we are being led by people whose only knowledge of the military and all that is part & parcel to it, comes from (holding in the vomit) Hollywood.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 17 at 2016 10:27 AM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 10:27:42 -0500

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

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Nov 17 at 2016 11:29 AM

SSG Steven Mangus — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:29:25 -0500

Personally I think those that serve should be the only individuals allowed to hold elected positions. To answer the question, yes veterans should run for more elected positions..

Response by CPT Alexander Grant made Nov 17 at 2016 1:45 PM

CPT Alexander Grant — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 13:45:47 -0500

In general I would think this is a yes, but not all vets have enough of a well-rounded perspective for anything beyond local politics. Being around the same type of people can put someone in a bubble or echo chamber, and you can really see that dynamic come into play when politics are involved.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Nov 17 at 2016 6:08 PM

PO3 David Fries — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 18:08:34 -0500

This is just my opinion, but I believe that the majority of us may like to comment on politics, most of us have no interest in getting involved with it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2016 3:39 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 03:39:20 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Absolutely. Our nation would be better off with more veterans in office.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/04/30/where-are-veterans-in-office-path-from-combat-to-congress-fading.html

Where are the veterans in office? Path from combat to Congress fading

Decades ago, serving in political office was a natural next step for those who served in the military. Today, the veteran-turned-politician is a vanishing breed, at least at the national level.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Nov 18 at 2016 12:20 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 12:20:04 -0500

YES!