Did Biden Serve in the Military?
The question of whether Joe Biden served in the military has been a topic of debate and controversy in recent years. As a presidential candidate and now as the 46th President of the United States, Biden’s military service has been scrutinized by many. In this article, we will delve into the facts and provide a direct answer to the question.
Early Life and Education
Before we dive into Biden’s military service, it’s essential to understand his early life and education. Biden was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a middle-class family and was the eldest of four siblings. Biden’s father, Joseph Robinette Biden Sr., was a car salesman, and his mother, Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Biden, was a homemaker.
Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1965. He then went on to attend Syracuse University College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1969.
National Guard Service
Now, let’s get to the question at hand: Did Biden serve in the military? The answer is yes, but not in the way many people might expect. Biden did not serve in the active-duty military, but he did serve in the Delaware Army National Guard.
In 1968, Biden was drafted into the Army National Guard, but he was able to complete his college education before being deployed. Biden served in the National Guard from 1968 to 1974, with a total of six months of active duty from 1973 to 1974.
Here is a breakdown of Biden’s National Guard service:
| Year | Service |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Drafted into the Army National Guard |
| 1968-1974 | Served in the National Guard, completing college education |
| 1973-1974 | Completed six months of active duty |
Criticism and Controversy
Despite Biden’s National Guard service, his military record has been criticized and questioned by some. In 2008, during his presidential campaign, Biden’s military service was scrutinized by the media and his opponents. Some critics argued that Biden’s service was not as significant as that of other veterans, while others questioned the accuracy of his claims.
In 2020, during his presidential campaign, Biden faced renewed criticism over his military service. His opponent, Donald Trump, repeatedly attacked Biden’s service, claiming that he was not a "real" war hero. Biden responded by releasing his military records, which showed that he had indeed served in the National Guard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joe Biden did serve in the military, albeit in a different capacity than many people might expect. His six months of active duty in the Army National Guard in 1973-1974 are a testament to his commitment to serving his country.
Here are some key points to summarize:
- Joe Biden was drafted into the Army National Guard in 1968.
- He served in the National Guard from 1968 to 1974, completing his college education.
- Biden completed six months of active duty in 1973-1974.
- His military service has been criticized and questioned by some, but his records show that he did indeed serve.
As the 46th President of the United States, Biden’s military service is a topic of great importance. While some may question the significance of his service, it is essential to recognize the sacrifices he made and the commitment he showed to his country.
Additional Resources
- "Joe Biden’s Military Service" by the New York Times
- "Biden’s Military Service: A Fact-Check" by FactCheck.org
- "Joe Biden’s National Guard Service" by the Washington Post
