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As an aside (but since I brought up presidential politics), I would also like to note that my anecdotal impression is that Republicans, with their nomination of Trump, have lost the military voter. For the first time in my career, the seeming majority of troops are voting for the Democrat. After Hillary, it seems Gary Johnson draws the most support. I have had several non-religious, non-culturally conservative troops say they have always voted for Republicans because they felt like they were the party that really supported the troops. Unfortunately for the Republicans, I think we can mark 2016 as the year they lost an entire generation of military voters. Granted, we are not the biggest voting bloc but we vote and we overwhelmingly supported the Republicans. Of course, I am not voting for Trump so why should I be surprised?

Frankly, I don't understand this position. Several of Trump's main policy planks include making veteran's care a top priority, equipping the military with the best equipment possible, while simultaneously keeping the country out of unnecessary wars.

Hillary Clinton aside, what more would a career soldier want from a presidential candidate?

And when compared with how the military would be treated under Hillary, there's no contest between the two.

But having never served, maybe I am missing something...

“Frankly, I don’t understand this position. “

First of all you shouldn’t believe this unnamed military officer’s claim that ‘Trump has lost the military voter’, particularly when it is being reported by Rod Dreher who says he finds it impossible to vote for Trump. -

How the hell would he know whom military voters are going to vote for? Does he run a professional polling service on the side? All he’s doing is pretending that his own opinion is shared by everyone else in order to sow doubt in Trump supporters.

"But having never served, maybe I am missing something..."

Well, I served my 21 years and retired, and still work around some 48,000 troops on Fort Hood. None of his argument makes any sense; all of his points would argue that, as bad as he may believe Trump to be, Clinton and Johnson are far worse on any of the points that he raises.

Assuming that he is actually in the military, he must have spent too many rifle ranges without hearing protection and has suffered some brain damage. It's far more likely that there is no such military person ...

"But having never served, maybe I am missing something..."

Well, I served my 21 years and retired, and still work around some 48,000 troops on Fort Hood. None of his argument makes any sense; all of his points would argue that, as bad as he may believe Trump to be, Clinton and Johnson are far worse on any of the points that he raises.

Assuming that he is actually in the military, he must have spent too many rifle ranges without hearing protection and has suffered some brain damage. It's far more likely that there is no such military person ...

Frankly, I’m a but suspicious of the letter. Two surveys of the armed forces population—including Military Times—show Trump with a commanding lead. A third poll, of dubious quality, suggested strong support for Gary Johnson. This letter is the first that offers even a remote suggestion that Hillary will carry the military vote.

I’m a retired Air Force officer and work with members of all branches of the armed forces on a regular basis. Based on my conversations, I’ve found that Hillary enjoys anything but contempt from the vast majority of military personnel.

..having never served, maybe I am missing something...

I served many decades ago in the Army's Medical Service Corps. As one who did the scut work for Doctors and Nurses, I can say without reservation that the medical personnel, although good at their craft, are mainly die hard liberals. The good Doctor in this article projects the attitude of the minor, progressive element of REMFs in general. They do not reflect the combat arms attitude.

Hubs says that everyone in the office is voting for Trump. ALL of them. The news is rolling on the TV all day, but they turn the channel when Clinton comes on. Can’t even stand the sound of her voice.

So, no. I do not believe that the Republicans have lost the military vote. The only soldier who I know who’s not going for Trump is not voting at all. (And never has) But his wife sure as hell is in the bag for the Big T.