Should it be a requirement to have served in the military before running for the USA presidency?

I think that it would be extremely helpful, but not a necessity

Should it be a requirement? No.

I'm a veteran myself... and the notion that ex military members have some higher say or position in the governance or direction of our country is absolute garbage. People enter the military for lots of reasons.

Perhaps it should be a requirement that a candidate should have performed SOME kind of multi-year service role, like Peace Corps or something. I'd say that public service is a more important qualification than military service.

You don't need to know how to launch a successful raid on an enemy's bunker to be a good C-I-C.

Just my opinion, of course.

No, we had our best president during our worst war. He had no prior military experience. Abe Lincoln not only did well as commander in chief but more importantly had the wisdom to resist the crys of his military commanders to punish the south after the war and set the tone to get the nation back together.

I personally would prefer that a president have served.

It makes the most sense to me.

The military will teach him values and things about his country that stays with him for life. It instills in him a spirit of guardianship over his country that no other experience can.

It allows him to gain friendships of men who think the same, who are courageous, and able and intelligent....

I can go on and on but yes the man should have served.

If that were the case then Obama would be disqualified, but I'm sure he would find a lie for that too and besides he will do away with the military because he believes they are a waste of money and what do you need a military for if your going to surrender anyways//// man Obama's waving the white flag////

Wow, I am amazed at the ignorance of the responders that is against the military. Such as the genius that wants a passivise to be president. Are you frigging kidding me. That is the kind of thing that will cause every country in this world to come in and do what ever they please.

Yes, I believe strongly that our president should have been in the military.

Very nice hats off to McCain for serving but that is not a prerequisite to presidency. You have to run the country without ego getting in the way, McCains rallies have turned very ugly racist, with people yelling "off with his head" "obama is an arab" " hes a terrorist" do you think that is a good thing? Do you really want an internal war in America? White against every color but white? That is what is going to happen if McCain gets into power as he has provoked the racists within his party and runs with his Ego too inflated.

Yes, it should be a requirement. However, clauses should exist that would allow a person who failed the physical to serve in an administrative position but all candidates that hold public service at any level of government should be required to have served in the military.

i agree on that 100%

in fact id like to see it so everyone in the usa spent 2 years in the military so they could see what our men and women endure to keep or country free and The civil rights the left hold so dear possible

Nope If they were CIC over the military only yes of course. That is the reason for the many facets of the presidency,white house they have experts and the best of the best in every field to advise them.

No. I want a pacifist president, and if all candidates were required to have military service on their record, then I'm more likely to end up with candidates who are attracted to guns, violence, and warfare.