[CyberAnt]

Just for reference sake, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, and Reagan never had any military service (although Abe did serve 4 mos in his local militia). all 3 men were strong leaders in the military field.

However, Carter served in the military for 7 years, but he was one of the worst as far as military leadership went.

Military service has nothing to do with personal conviction.

[syriacus]

Military service has nothing to do with personal conviction

True.

[pawdoggie]

In the interests of historical accuracy: As you noted, Lincoln did serve in the forerunner to the National Guard, the militia (and four months is enough to qualify as military service "in the field", just ask John Kerry). Ronald Reagan was a Lieutenant in the US Army (although his poor eyesight kept him in Hollywood making training films), and FDR biographers insist that he attempted to enlist in the Navy, until he fell ill and was discovered to be underage (FDR was a Democrat, so I've always wondered about this legend).