Posted on Jan 13, 2014
Should military service be a requirement for future government leadership positions?
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Should military service be a requirement for future government leadership positions (including State and Federal Offices) such as Mayors, Governors, Senators, and even Presidential Candidates?
I feel that by making military service a prerequisite for future government office, it would dramatically close the gap between career politicians and those that have served. Making service a required criteria, we would see increased respect and understanding for veterans (and the service we provide) by government officials, a greater sense of community through a common ground approach to help elevate our nation, and fewer lop-sided debates on how best to proceed with our country's future.
What are your thoughts?
Posted in these groups: 
Government
Government
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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I am torn. I would say YES because I learned more about my country and have a greater sense of pride after serving. The only problem I see with making a standard is if I could not join because of an illness or some other condition. Then my hopes and dreams of changing the country and making a difference is shot down. Just because of something that is out of my control hinders me from holding political office.
I do believe serving in the military is a great bullet on your political resume. i believe and would vote for more veterans because of that.
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SGT Christopher Barker
I just commented on someone else's statement, that there are quite a few service organizations where one could learn leadership skills and worldly knowledge. This may be a good stand in for military service if a disability or disease prevented service.
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SFC (Join to see)
For those that couldn't physically qualify, perhaps Volunteerism/ community service/outreach programs participation could suffice in lieu of military service. but I believe you have a valid point.
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SSG Matthew Thomas
SFC, I like the idea of volunteerism. During my time in the service the idea of selfless-service is huge. I believe in giving back and doing more for others.
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Albeit a good idea to have elected officials serve in the Armed Forces for a period of time, to see how the other half lives, I don't believe it would be for the best.
Since only about 3% of the population can stay they served in the military, it makes it a very prestigious accolade. If it became a requirement, there goes the prestige of serving. However, on a positive note, perhaps more choices would be made with a perspective that took into account the secondary or tertiary effects. Along with that I believe that some of the idiocracies that are committed by current politicians would fall by the way-side.
Since only about 3% of the population can stay they served in the military, it makes it a very prestigious accolade. If it became a requirement, there goes the prestige of serving. However, on a positive note, perhaps more choices would be made with a perspective that took into account the secondary or tertiary effects. Along with that I believe that some of the idiocracies that are committed by current politicians would fall by the way-side.
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It's a nice thought. But impractical. I believe the Constitution provides all the requirements we need. Otherwise we'd exclude some good presidents like FDR, Wilson, and John Quincy Adams. Many of our presidents only had militia service and had never served in the military as we know it today. Additionally I'd say it's presumptuous to state that only military service "counts". And what if you have a disability that precludes you? Earlier today I shared this video of GEN McChrystal:
The Franklin Project is a new venture by the Aspen Institute to marshal the best case for a voluntary civilian counterpart to military service in the United ...
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SGT Christopher Barker
I would be happy to make exceptions for "service" given someone else's inability to perform in the military. There are many great service organizations that one could obtain leadership and worldly qualities.
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