Was Biden in the Military?
Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has been a public figure for decades, and his military service has been a topic of interest for many. As a young man, Biden was indeed involved in the military, but the details of his service are often shrouded in controversy. In this article, we will delve into the facts and provide a comprehensive answer to the question: Was Biden in the military?
Early Life and Education
Before we explore Biden’s military service, it’s essential to understand his early life and education. Born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden grew up in a middle-class family. His father, Joseph Robinette Biden Sr., was a car salesman, and his mother, Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Biden, was a homemaker. Biden’s family moved to Claymont, Delaware, when he was young, and he attended Archmere Academy, a Catholic high school.
After high school, Biden enrolled at the University of Delaware, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. He then attended Syracuse University College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1969.
Military Service
Biden’s military service began in 1968, when he was 25 years old. He enlisted in the United States Navy, specifically, the United States Navy Reserve. Biden was commissioned as a lieutenant junior grade (O-2) in the Navy Reserve, and he was assigned to the Navy’s Intelligence Community.
Service in Vietnam
In 1969, Biden was deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a liaison officer between the U.S. military and the South Vietnamese military. Biden’s role was to provide intelligence and communication support to the South Vietnamese military, which was fighting against the North Vietnamese Army.
Discharge and Later Life
Biden’s military service lasted for about five years, until 1974. He was honorably discharged from the Navy Reserve with the rank of lieutenant (O-3). After his military service, Biden returned to the United States and began his political career. He was elected to the New Castle County Council in 1970 and later served as a U.S. Senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009.
Controversies and Criticisms
Biden’s military service has been the subject of controversy and criticism over the years. Some have questioned the accuracy of his claims about his time in Vietnam, while others have criticized his decision to serve in the Navy Reserve rather than the active duty military.
Key Points:
- Biden enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve in 1968.
- He was deployed to Vietnam in 1969 and served as a liaison officer.
- Biden’s military service lasted for about five years, until 1974.
- He was honorably discharged from the Navy Reserve with the rank of lieutenant (O-3).
- Biden’s military service has been the subject of controversy and criticism.
Comparison to Other Presidents
Biden’s military service is unique compared to other U.S. Presidents. Only two other Presidents have not served in the active duty military: Donald Trump and Richard Nixon. Trump received a medical deferment from the draft, while Nixon served in the U.S. Navy Reserve, but did not deploy to Vietnam.
Table: Military Service of U.S. Presidents
| President | Military Branch | Rank | Deployment | Service Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Biden | Navy Reserve | Lieutenant (O-3) | Vietnam | 5 years |
| Donald Trump | None | – | – | – |
| Richard Nixon | Navy Reserve | Lieutenant Commander (O-4) | None | 6 years |
| George W. Bush | Texas Air National Guard | First Lieutenant (O-2) | None | 5 years |
| Bill Clinton | None | – | – | – |
| George H.W. Bush | Navy | Lieutenant (O-3) | World War II | 20 months |
| Ronald Reagan | Army Reserve | Second Lieutenant (O-1) | None | 2 years |
| Jimmy Carter | Navy | Lieutenant (O-3) | None | 2 years |
| Gerald Ford | Navy | Lieutenant Commander (O-4) | World War II | 5 years |
| Lyndon B. Johnson | Navy | Lieutenant Commander (O-4) | World War II | 5 years |
| John F. Kennedy | Navy | Lieutenant (O-3) | World War II | 4 years |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joe Biden did serve in the military, specifically in the United States Navy Reserve. His service was marked by a deployment to Vietnam, where he served as a liaison officer between the U.S. military and the South Vietnamese military. While his military service has been the subject of controversy and criticism, it is essential to recognize the sacrifices made by Biden and other military personnel who have served their country.
