Which presidents have not served in the military?

Which Presidents Have Not Served in the Military?

Throughout American history, many presidents have served in the military before taking office. In fact, it’s a common tradition for presidents to have some sort of military background. However, not all presidents have served in the military. In this article, we’ll explore which presidents have not served in the military and what they did instead.

Early Presidents

The first president of the United States, George Washington, is often credited with setting the precedent for military service among presidents. Washington served as a military officer during the French and Indian War and later led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War. However, not all early presidents followed in Washington’s footsteps.

• John Adams, the second president, was a lawyer and statesman who served as a diplomat and politician before becoming president.
• Thomas Jefferson, the third president, was a lawyer and scientist who served as a governor and politician before becoming president.
• James Madison, the fourth president, was a lawyer and politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives and Secretary of State before becoming president.

19th and Early 20th Centuries

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, more presidents began to serve in the military. However, not all of them did. For example:

• James Buchanan, the 15th president, was a lawyer and politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives and Secretary of State before becoming president. He was the only president who never married.
• Warren G. Harding, the 29th president, was a lawyer and politician who served as a senator and governor before becoming president. He was a member of the Ohio State Militia, but he never saw combat.
• Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, was a lawyer and politician who served as a governor and vice president before becoming president. He was a member of the Vermont National Guard, but he never saw combat.

Modern Presidents

In the modern era, some presidents have not served in the military. For example:

• John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, was a naval officer during World War II, but he did not see combat. He was a leader of the "Manila Gang" of young officers who socialized together.
• Jimmy Carter, the 39th president, was a naval officer during the Korean War, but he did not see combat. He was a submarine officer and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal.
• Bill Clinton, the 42nd president, did not serve in the military. He attended Georgetown University and later studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.

Other Presidents Who Did Not Serve in the Military

There are a few other presidents who did not serve in the military:

• Martin Van Buren, the 8th president, was a lawyer and politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives and governor before becoming president. He was a militia officer during the War of 1812, but he did not see combat.
• Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president, was a lawyer and politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives and governor before becoming president. He was a militia officer during the War of 1812, but he did not see combat.
• Chester A. Arthur, the 21st president, was a lawyer and politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives and customs collector before becoming president. He was a militia officer during the War of 1812, but he did not see combat.

Table: Presidents Who Did Not Serve in the Military

Conclusion

While many presidents have served in the military, not all of them have. Some have served in non-combat roles, while others have not served at all. This article has highlighted the presidents who did not serve in the military and what they did instead.