Did Barack Obama serve in the military?

Answer 1

No, President Obama did not serve in the military. The draft had previously been abolished in 1973, so when he came of draft age in 1978, Pres Obama registered with the Selective Service as required by law as did every other 17 year old male, but that was the extent of military obligation at that time.

This was a non-issue politically in both of his presidential campaigns. Although his 2008 opponent Sen John McCain served heroically in Vietnam, none of Obama's other potential GOP opponents in 2008 and 2012 (Romney, Gingrich, Trump, Huckabee, Santorum, etc) served, so the question was not considered important.

Answer 2

No. Since the president was born in 1961, he was too young to serve during the Vietnam War era, and by the time he was old enough, the war was over and there was no longer a military draft. It should also be noted that his opponent in the 2012 election, Mitt Romney, also did not serve.

Answer 3

No, he did not. But that is no longer unusual; while John McCain in the 2008 campaign was widely acknowledged for his heroism in Vietnam, Mitt Romney in 2012 had no military service on his résumé. And he was not alone. A large number of the other candidates from the past several presidential campaigns did not serve in the military, Mr. Obama included. President Clinton never served, and while President George W. Bush did, his Vice President Dick Cheney did not.

This lack of military experience reflects a major change: 50 years ago, a majority of members of congress-- some of whom tried to run for higher office-- had participated in military service; but these days, there is no military draft, and as a result, the number who have served is much smaller. (For example, in the 1970s, about 77% of the members in congress were veterans, as opposed to about 20% today.)

Answer 4

President Obama never served in the military.
No.

Answer 5

No, Barack Obama hasn't served in the Military.

Answer 6

of course he hasn't - it only matters that Mitt Romney and his son's haven't.

Answer 7

Obama did not serve in the military.

Answer 8

No.

Answer 9

No.

Answer 10

No.