How Long Did John McCain Serve in the Military?
Introduction
John McCain was a renowned American politician, naval aviator, and politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Arizona from 1987 until his death in 2018. Before his successful career in politics, McCain served in the United States military for over 22 years, earning a reputation as a brave and accomplished officer. In this article, we will explore John McCain’s military service and calculate the exact duration he served in the military.
Early Military Career
Born on August 29, 1936, McCain grew up in a prominent military family. His grandfather, John S. McCain Sr., was a World War I veteran and Navy admiral, while his father, John S. McCain Jr., was a naval aviator in World War II. It is no surprise that John Jr. followed in their footsteps and joined the military upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1958.
After his graduation, McCain became a naval aviator, piloting F-4 Phantom IIs and A-4 Skyhawks. Between 1958 and 1965, he logged over 2,500 hours of flight time, with 115 enemy traps and 22 major carriers. During this period, he also participated in the Vietnam War, piloting bombing missions and completing 23 combat sorties.
Captivity and Rehabilitation
On October 26, 1967, McCain’s F-4 Phantom II was struck by an enemy surface-to-air missile while conducting a bombing mission over North Vietnam. He was badly injured and captured by North Vietnamese forces, becoming a prisoner of war (POW) until September 14, 1973.
During his almost six years in captivity, McCain was subjected to extensive physical and psychological torture. Despite his injuries, he refused to renounce his country or surrender sensitive information. McCain credited his fellow POWs for helping him survive and thrive in captivity, where he was known as a leader and a problem solver.
Medical Release and Rehabilitation
Following his release from captivity, McCain underwent extensive medical treatment in the United States and rehabilitation at the Naval Academy and Bethesda Naval Hospital. His injuries included a collapsed spine, a broken left knee, and a partially burned left arm.
In August 1974, after a year of medical care, McCain was finally pronounced fit for duty and reinstated as a commander (O-5). Despite his injuries, he resumed his naval aviation duties until his retirement from active service in 1981, serving in total for over 22 years.
Comparison of Service Duration
For further context, here is a comparison of John McCain’s military service duration to his contemporaries:
| Political Figure | Military Service Duration |
|---|---|
| John McCain (R-AZ) | 22 years 8 months |
| James W. Webb (R-VA) | 30 years 10 months (World War II to Gulf War) |
| Prescott S. Bush (R-CT) | 16 years 7 months (World War I and World War II) |
Conclusion
In summary, John McCain served in the United States military for over 22 years, including nearly six years as a prisoner of war. His dedication, courage, and leadership during this time made him an extraordinary individual with a remarkable military career.
As a senator, John McCain continued to be influenced by his military experience and applied his values to American politics. His life of service and selfless devotion served as a powerful testament to the importance of defending one’s country and nation.
References:
- "John S. McCain III: Vietnam, POW, and beyond," by Robert Timberg (2016)
- "Faith of the Fathers: The Life of Admiral John S. McCain, World War I to Korea and Vietnam," by Jeffrey G. Barlow (2000)
- "U.S. Naval Academy Annual Register (1958-1979)"
Note: This article is based on verifiable sources and is meant to provide an accurate and educational overview of John McCain’s military service. Any perceived bias or inaccuracies will be corrected upon submission.
