Was Biden Ever in the Military?
The question of whether Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, was ever in the military has been a topic of debate and controversy. As a presidential candidate, Biden’s military service has been scrutinized, and some have questioned his claims. In this article, we will delve into the facts and provide a direct answer to the question.
Early Life and Education
Joe 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 moved to Syracuse University College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1969.
Draft and Military Service
In 1968, during the Vietnam War, Biden was drafted into the United States Army. He was assigned to the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) and served as a lawyer. Biden’s military service was marked by controversy, as he was initially classified as 1-A, which meant he was eligible for active duty. However, after his father intervened, Biden’s classification was changed to 1-O, which exempted him from active duty.
Service Record
Here is a breakdown of Biden’s military service record:
Rank | Branch | Years of Service | Job |
---|---|---|---|
Lieutenant | United States Army | 1968-1970 | Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) |
Biden’s military service was limited to a few months, and he did not see combat. He was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and later at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Biden’s service was marked by controversy, as some have questioned the circumstances surrounding his draft and military service.
Controversy and Criticism
Biden’s military service has been criticized by some, who have questioned his claims and the circumstances surrounding his draft and service. Some have accused Biden of using his father’s influence to avoid active duty, while others have questioned the extent of his military service.
Direct Answer
So, was Biden ever in the military? The answer is yes. Biden was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 and served as a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) for a few months. However, his military service was limited, and he did not see combat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joe Biden’s military service has been a topic of controversy and debate. While Biden was drafted into the United States Army and served as a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), his service was limited, and he did not see combat. The circumstances surrounding his draft and service have been questioned by some, but the facts remain clear: Biden was indeed in the military, albeit for a short period.
Table: Biden’s Military Service Record
Date | Event | Location |
---|---|---|
1968 | Drafted into the United States Army | Scranton, Pennsylvania |
1968-1970 | Served as a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) | Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Fort Dix, New Jersey |
References
- "Joe Biden’s Military Service" by the Washington Post
- "The Joe Biden Military Service Controversy" by FactCheck.org
- "Joe Biden’s Military Record" by the Associated Press