Change commander in chief’s title if they are not a veteran

Now that Lindsey Graham has dropped out of the Republican presidential race, there are no Republican candidates left who have any military service. I take issue with that in this way. The President is, and always has been, referred to as the Commander in Chief of the Military.

I believe those elected in any party who have never served haven’t the honor or the right to the title. I believe any president without personal military ties should consider the title of CEO of the Military and the Commander of the joint Chiefs of Staff should hold the title of Commander in Chief.

I understand that the president is the ultimate leader of our United States, and over the Joint Chiefs of Staff, however having never served and experienced all the honors, disciplines and leadership skills required of those in uniform, the title is not his/hers to hold. Maybe I’m an old dinosaur vet but we’re a band of brothers and sisters and calling a non-military serving president “Commander in Chief” just seems wrong.

This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 7:47 AM with the headline "Change commander in chief’s title if they are not a veteran."