In a significant move for the 2024 election, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has chosen Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. This selection spotlights Vance, a Marine Corps veteran and author, placing his military service squarely in the national conversation. Vance’s background as a post-9/11 veteran marks a notable moment, potentially making him the first Marine veteran to hold the office of Vice President in U.S. history. His presence on the ticket underscores the enduring relevance of military experience in American political leadership.
JD Vance’s commitment to service began with his enlistment in the Marine Corps, where he served from 2003 to 2007. His military occupational specialty was combat correspondent (MOS 4341), a role that placed him at the intersection of communication and conflict. Crucially, Vance’s service included a six-month deployment to Iraq, during a pivotal period of the Iraq War. For his service, he earned several commendations, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal, alongside other standard honors awarded during the Global War on Terror. This direct experience in a combat zone is a defining aspect of Vance’s public profile and political narrative.
JD Vance in military uniform, highlighting his service in the Marine Corps and his role as a veteran in his political career.
Vance himself has reflected on the profound impact of his military service. In his acclaimed memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” he recounts how the Marine Corps instilled in him strategic thinking and personal discipline. He describes his deployment to Iraq as a formative experience, one that shifted his perspectives and broadened his understanding of gratitude through interactions with local Iraqis. He noted, “The Marine Corps demanded that I think strategically about these decisions, and then it taught me how to do so.” This transformative period in the military provided him with crucial life skills and shaped his worldview, experiences he carries into his political career.
Interestingly, there’s a historical parallel to be drawn between Vance and former Vice President Al Gore. Gore, the last enlisted veteran to serve as Vice President, also served as a military correspondent, deploying to Vietnam for six months during the Vietnam War. Both men gained firsthand experience of conflict and communication within the military, experiences that undoubtedly influenced their subsequent careers in public service.
Looking at the broader historical context, the selection of JD Vance aligns with a recurring trend in American politics. Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, points out that following major conflicts, a generation of presidents and vice presidents often emerges from those who served. This pattern is evident throughout American history, from figures who served in the Revolutionary War to World War II and beyond. Military service has long been seen as a valuable credential for those seeking the nation’s highest offices.
Throughout the history of the vice presidency, a significant number of individuals have brought military experience to the role. While a comprehensive record is challenging to compile, examples range from Richard Nixon’s Navy service in World War II to Aaron Burr’s service in the Continental Army during the Revolution. Military.com’s analysis indicates that nearly half of all U.S. Vice Presidents had some form of military background, including service in militias, the National Guard, the Army, and the Navy. However, definitive evidence of a Marine veteran holding the Vice Presidency remains elusive, making Vance’s potential election a truly historic event.
Analysis of vice presidential biographies, illustrating the frequency of military service amongst past vice presidents and the historical context of veteran leadership.
The political appeal of a candidate with military service is multifaceted. As conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt argued, Trump’s choice of Vance can be seen as an appeal to veterans, a significant voting bloc. Military experience often resonates with voters as it signifies public service, discipline, and leadership—qualities highly valued in political leaders. Furthermore, in a political landscape where neither presidential nominee, Trump nor Biden, has a military service record, Vance’s Marine background offers a balance to the Republican ticket. Joel K. Goldstein, a scholar of the vice presidency, suggests that Vance’s service “is a balance against President Trump’s record,” potentially broadening the ticket’s appeal.
JD Vance’s journey from a Marine in Iraq to a potential Vice President is a compelling narrative of personal transformation and political ascent. While once critical of Donald Trump, Vance has evolved into a prominent conservative voice and a close ally of the former president. Elected to the Senate in 2022, Vance has become known for his populist conservative stance, including his skepticism towards foreign aid, a view partly shaped by his experiences during the Iraq War. His military service is not just a chapter in his biography; it is an integral part of his identity and political platform, resonating with many voters and adding a unique dimension to the Republican ticket in the upcoming election.
In conclusion, JD Vance’s military service as a Marine, particularly his combat deployment to Iraq, is a central aspect of his profile as Donald Trump’s running mate. This background places him within a historical context of veterans in high office and potentially marks a historic first for a Marine in the Vice Presidency. His experiences in the military have shaped his perspectives, instilled valuable skills, and contribute to his political appeal, making his military service a key element of his candidacy and a significant factor in the 2024 election.
