I wouldn't refer to an Army grunt who was awarded two purple hearts as a Chicken Little. We need more people in public office who have served.
I used Chicken Little because that character was always portraying things worse than they were. I consider Hagel a hand wringer. Leaders who engaged in public hand wringing do not instill confidence. I do not like a lot about McCain or Hagel but their service records unlike Kerry's are unassailable.
Like George McGovern, John Kerry, and John Murtha, to name a few?
Look, military service, in peace or war, is a noble undertaking in itself, and most of those who have served did so out of duty and honor, and not to earn entitlements or to make excuses for their other, unrelated inabilities or failings in life. Military service is not a trump card for deficiencies of knowledge, ability, or character. It is an enhancement to those who do possess these qualities, however.
Please don't use it as the single virtue that immediately qualifies one for high office. Besides, if you do, you will be denying Hillary her right to the Oval Office. (OK, that part was sarcasm!)