[Diddley]

I assume that one who uses the term "chicken hawk" is referring to a person who did not serve in combat (or perhaps one who didn’t serve at all, or who got a deferment), but who -- in a position of authority -- is advocating or implementing combat.

I have never understood that position.

One of the tenets of our government is that CIVILIANS are in charge of the military. Of course the president is expected to appoint people with military experience to certain positions, and he is to consider their advice and suggestions, but he makes the overall-view decisions.

A president may or may not have combat (or military) experience, but combat or service are neither legal nor moral requirements.

An analogy might be:
- Since Bush has never had an abortion, he therefore isn’t QUALIFIED to
..speak or act on that issue.

[jwalsh07]

I agree with you, I don't use the term because I think it is senseless. While I prefer a CIC with military experience, I would prefer that experience be as an enlisted man. :-}

Go figure.