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Posted on 06/25/2007 7:26:04 AM PDT by kellynla
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Though the next president will probably command soldiers in two separate wars, few of those hoping to win the job can say they've ever seen combat or even taken abuse from a drill sergeant.
Of the 18 announced Democratic and Republican presidential candidates, only Republicans John McCain and Duncan Hunter have served on the front lines. Three others served in noncombat roles and another two served in the reserves.
Voters aren't likely to care very much, experts say.
"I just don't think we expect that obligation, and that's because we don't expect it of ourselves either," said Bruce Altschuler, a Vietnam veteran and political science professor at the State University of New York at Oswego.
That might allow voters and candidates to focus on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Ohio Wesleyan University history professor Michael Flamm.
"If no candidates in 2008 are running on or against their Vietnam records, perhaps we won't have to look at Iraq through the prism of Vietnam," he said. "Perhaps we will be able to look at the Iraq war as a new situation."
Between 1944 and 1992, military experience was seen as a must for presidents.
That ended when Democrat Bill Clinton, who never served in the military, defeated Republican President George H.W. Bush, a decorated World War II veteran. Four years later, Clinton defeated Bob Dole, another World War II combat veteran.
Republican George W. Bush, who spent the Vietnam years on U.S. soil as a member of the Air National Guard, defeated two Democratic candidates who served in Vietnam, Al Gore and John Kerry.
Experts say Americans' conflicted attitude toward the Vietnam War makes a military background less of an advantage.
That won't be a concern for many running in the November 2008 election.
DEFERMENTS, FLUNKED PHYSICALS
Republicans Sam Brownback and Mike Huckabee and Democrat Barack Obama had not yet turned 18 by the time the draft was discontinued in 1973.
Democrat John Edwards, who became eligible in the waning years of the war, drew a high lottery number that was not called when the lottery determined who would be inducted into military service.
College and missionary service kept Mitt Romney out of the draft until 1970, when he drew a high lottery number.
Rudy Giuliani also drew a high lottery number in 1970 after receiving deferments as a student and law clerk.
Democrats Bill Richardson, Joe Biden and Dennis Kucinich failed their physical examinations, as did Republican Tom Tancredo.
Republican Fred Thompson, who is expected to formally enter the race soon, received a deferment because he had children.
As a woman, Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton was not subject to the draft.
McCain's biography as a Navy airman who endured years of torture in a Hanoi prison is a central part of his appeal. Hunter, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, has made military issues central to his career in Congress.
Republican Jim Gilmore served in the Army in West Germany, while Ron Paul served as an Air Force surgeon. Democrat Mike Gravel served in the Army in the 1950s.
Democrat Chris Dodd joined the Army Reserve when he left the Peace Corps in 1968. Republican Tommy Thompson joined after law school in 1966.
The candidates' collective lack of military experience reflects the population as a whole.
Veterans accounted for 11 percent of the voting age population in 2000, according to the U.S. Census, down from 21 percent in 1970. By 2030, that figure will shrink to 6 percent, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Service in the military provides perspective on war, perspective on sacrifice," said University of Denver political -science professor Tom Knecht. "To the extent that we're losing that, that might be kind of a problem."
Duncan Hunter was in Viet Nam as a Ranger.
YOU TOTALLY LEFT HIM OUT. Why?? Are you afraid of a strong man with conservative principles!
I see you just barely mentioned Duncan Hunter in the opening.
Why not say something about his distinguished service!!!
Our country needs much more rigid STANDARDS for what we put in the White House. Need say no more.
Bringing back the draft would solve the lack of veterans running for office problem, while giving more people a sense of stake in the country.
Read the article?
McCain served on the front lines? He was shot down on his first flight into Viet Nam and spent the rest of his career in prison. From what I have heard, he was shot down because of his own mistakes. He also graduated from the Naval Academy, after five years, instead of the normal four years and graduated at the bottom of his class. Classmates have stated that he only graduated because his daddy was an Admiral.
Yeah, I missed that.
Oh, its Reuters. Never mind.
“his first flight into Viet Nam’
Smells like serving on the front line to me.
So... He didn’t get shot down and spend years as a POW?
If he did, I would say he was on the front lines.
You Hunter people really need to not be so defensive.
This rant on kellynla is just not called for based on the way the above story is written.
I wasn't aware of this.
The other POWs didn't get warm clothing. They shivered in shorty pajamas.
So he didn’t serve on the front lines? That was the accusation.
You are right.
I apologize.
“McCain served on the front lines? He was shot down on his first flight into Viet Nam and spent the rest of his career in prison. From what I have heard, he was shot down because of his own mistakes. He also graduated from the Naval Academy, after five years, instead of the normal four years and graduated at the bottom of his class. Classmates have stated that he only graduated because his daddy was an Admiral.”
_________________
This is bull s*#t. I disagree with loads of McCains policies but he served this nation admirably. When others were fleeing to Canada or getting cushy National Guard spots (which during Viet Nam could assure in state service), McCain went to serve. He refused release from the Hanoi Hilton to stay with his men. He was wounded and then tortured in prison. But I’m certain that your long history of service gives you the place to judge.
I can see people’s points about not wanting McCain to be Pres, but the guy served admirably. I think it’s bogus to try and tear down his service. Kerry was another matter altogether. He accused his fellow military people of being war criminals so he could advance politically. McCain has done none of that and deserves our respect.
I think the volunteer army is a better way to go. It leaves the great unwashed out there in their parents basement, huddled up with their bong instead of crying and whining in an army or marine unit.
Volunteer Army = Better Military, less hassle.
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