That is how it was when I was in.
Right-—when I was in (WW2 period) military stayed out, at least publicly, from politics——who cares if a soldier, saileor, marine,air force or coast guard likes some politico? -—he evidently likes the spotlight and enjoys being used by a politician for his own ends (hope he got paid well for the gig)-—don’t get me started on my opinions about the big brouhaha made up about todays military (who are all volunteers and chose their line of work)
Bet no one asked or told in your day, either. This is the all new, politically correct Army.