Was J.D. Vance in the Military?
J.D. Vance, the American author, lawyer, and entrepreneur, has made a name for himself through his best-selling book "Hillbilly Elegy" and his involvement in various business and political ventures. However, one question that has been raised about Vance is whether he served in the military. In this article, we will delve into Vance’s background and provide a direct answer to this question.
Early Life and Education
J.D. Vance was born on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio. He grew up in a poor and dysfunctional family, which is the subject of his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy". Vance’s parents divorced when he was three years old, and he was raised by his mother, who struggled with addiction and depression. Despite the challenges he faced, Vance was an excellent student and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 2009.
Military Service
Vance did not serve in the military as an active-duty soldier. However, he did participate in the Military Academy’s Combat Training Program, which is a mandatory program for all West Point cadets. The program is designed to prepare cadets for combat situations and includes training in tactics, first aid, and marksmanship.
After graduating from West Point, Vance was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. However, he did not pursue a career in the military. Instead, he chose to attend law school at Yale University, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 2013.
Reasons for Not Serving in the Military
Vance has spoken publicly about his decision not to serve in the military. In an interview with the New York Times, he stated that he did not feel called to serve and that he was more interested in pursuing a career in law. Vance also mentioned that he was not eager to put his life on the line and that he was more interested in using his skills to make a difference in other ways.
Business and Political Ventures
After law school, Vance worked as a lawyer at a private firm and later co-founded a venture capital firm called Narya Capital. He has also been involved in various business and political ventures, including serving as a senior advisor to the Mitt Romney presidential campaign in 2012.
In 2016, Vance published his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy", which became a bestseller and helped to establish him as a prominent figure in American politics. He has also been a vocal critic of the Democratic Party and has supported conservative candidates and causes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, J.D. Vance did not serve in the military as an active-duty soldier. However, he did participate in the Military Academy’s Combat Training Program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Vance has spoken publicly about his decision not to serve in the military and has instead pursued a career in law and business.
