Did Rand Paul Serve in the Military?
Rand Paul, the senior United States Senator from Kentucky, has been a controversial figure in American politics, particularly when it comes to his military service. In this article, we will delve into the facts surrounding Rand Paul’s military career, or lack thereof.
The Controversy
Rand Paul has faced criticism for not serving in the military, with many questioning his patriotism and dedication to the country. Some have even accused him of being a "draft dodger," implying that he avoided serving in the military during the Vietnam War. However, the facts suggest that Rand Paul was never eligible for military service due to a combination of factors.
Eligibility for Military Service
Rand Paul was born on January 7, 1963, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the time of his birth, his father, Ron Paul, was a naval flight surgeon in the United States Navy. However, the Paul family did not move to Kentucky until Rand was three years old, where his father started a medical practice.
Vietnam War Draft
During the Vietnam War, the United States had a military draft in place, where young men were required to register and potentially be called to serve. However, the draft was selective, and not all eligible men were drafted. In order to be drafted, an individual had to be born between 1944 and 1959, with the likelihood of being drafted decreasing as birth dates moved closer to 1959.
Rand Paul’s Birth Date
Rand Paul was born in 1963, making him well outside the birth date range for the Vietnam War draft. He was not eligible for the draft and would not have been called to serve.
Volunteer Military Service
Although Rand Paul was not drafted, he did have the opportunity to volunteer for military service. However, he chose not to do so. In a 2015 interview with CNN, Rand Paul explained that he "didn’t think it was necessary" to serve in the military and that he was more interested in pursuing a medical career.
Alternative Service
Some have criticized Rand Paul for not serving in the military, arguing that he should have done alternative service, such as the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. However, these programs were not available to him as he was not a high school graduate at the time. Rand Paul attended Georgetown University, where he graduated in 1984, and later earned his medical degree from Duke University in 1988.
Table: Comparison of Military Service
| Senator | Military Service | Reason for Not Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Rand Paul | None | Not eligible for Vietnam War draft, chose not to volunteer |
| Barack Obama | 4 years in the Illinois National Guard | Completed his service early to focus on his law career |
| John Kerry | 4 months in the United States Navy | Participated in Vietnam War, received Purple Heart |
| John McCain | 22 years in the United States Navy | Participated in Vietnam War, became a prisoner of war |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rand Paul did not serve in the military, neither by draft nor by choice. His birth date and the circumstances of his eligibility for the draft explain why he was not called to serve. While some may criticize him for not serving, it is essential to understand the facts surrounding his military career. It is also worth noting that other politicians, including former Presidents Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy, also did not serve in the military. Ultimately, serving in the military is not a requirement for holding public office.
Recommendations
- Voters should focus on a politician’s policies and actions, rather than their military service.
- Politicians who did not serve in the military should be asked about their views on national defense and foreign policy.
- Alternative service programs, such as the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, should be encouraged and made available to all eligible citizens.
Sources
- "Rand Paul’s military service: What we know" by CNN
- "Rand Paul’s Draft Dodge" by The National Review
- "A History of the Vietnam War Draft" by the History Channel
- "Did Rand Paul Really Dodge the Draft?" by The New York Times
