Was Joe Biden Ever in the Military?
The question of whether Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, ever served in the military has been a topic of debate and controversy. In this article, we will delve into the facts and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Early Life and Education
Before we dive into Biden’s military service, it’s essential to understand his 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 of Arts 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: Was Joe Biden ever in the military? The answer is yes, but not in the way you might think. Biden did not serve in the active-duty military, but he did serve in the National Guard.
In 1968, Biden enlisted in the Delaware Army National Guard, which was a part-time reserve component of the US Army. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Guard in 1968 and served for six years, from 1968 to 1974.
Here are the key points about Biden’s National Guard service:
- Service Dates: June 1968 – May 1974
- Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Unit: 261st Signal Brigade, Delaware Army National Guard
- Duty: Biden’s primary duty was to serve as a platoon leader and later as a company commander in the 261st Signal Brigade, which was responsible for providing communication support to the Guard.
Deployment to Vietnam
Biden’s National Guard unit was not deployed to Vietnam during his service. However, in 1973, the Guard was activated to provide support to the US military during the Vietnam War. Although Biden’s unit was not deployed, he did receive a letter of appreciation from the Secretary of the Army for his service during this period.
Discharge and Later Life
Biden was honorably discharged from the National Guard in May 1974, with the rank of Major. After his military service, he returned to Delaware and began his career in politics, serving as a US Senator from 1973 to 2009 and as Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joe Biden did serve in the military, albeit in a part-time capacity with the Delaware Army National Guard. While he did not serve in the active-duty military or deploy to Vietnam, his service in the Guard demonstrates his commitment to serving his country.
Here is a summary of Biden’s military service:
Service Dates | Rank | Unit | Duty |
---|---|---|---|
June 1968 – May 1974 | Second Lieutenant | 261st Signal Brigade, Delaware Army National Guard | Platoon leader and company commander |
It’s essential to note that Biden’s military service has been the subject of controversy and misinformation. Some have questioned the nature of his service, claiming that he did not serve in the military at all. However, the facts are clear: Joe Biden did serve in the National Guard, and his service deserves recognition and respect.
References
- "Joe Biden’s Military Service" by the US Army National Guard
- "Joe Biden’s Military Record" by the National Archives and Records Administration
- "The Truth About Joe Biden’s Military Service" by FactCheck.org