FOR THE RECORD: PRESIDENTS IN UNIFORM
The President of the United States serves as commander-in-chief of our armed forces. This is an awesome responsibility. How well qualified have our Presidents been to command the largest, most powerful military force in the world today? Some of our best have had no previous military experience. Others became President because of their military experience. Some will surprise you.
George Washington was our first military hero. His Revolutionary War record is well known, but what is less known is his service before the Revolutionary War. He served as a militia officer fighting with the British against the French and Indians, and commanded the Virginia militia, then the largest military force in this hemisphere. For a more detailed account of his military record, see my earlier article “George Washington, British Officer.” During the Revolutionary War, he commanded the Continental Army, holding it together through a series of defeats, and eventually defeating the British.
John Adams had no military experience, but he did serve as the chairman of the War Committee in the Continental Congress. In that capacity, he was George Washington’s immediate superior and worked with Washington on matters of supply and finance during the war. It was John Adams who first proposed Washington to be the commander of the Continental Army.
Thomas Jefferson also had no military experience. During the Revolutionary War, Jefferson served as Governor of Virginia. After his term had expired, but before a successor had been named, Jefferson learned of a British unit approaching his home at Monticello. After seeing to the safe evacuation of his family, Jefferson fled just before the British arrived. He was later criticized by some for cowardice as a result of this escape. The legislature established a special committee to investigate his conduct, and this committee completely vindicated Jefferson’s actions. It even adopted a resolution praising Jefferson’s “ability, rectitude, and integrity” and thanked him for his “impartial, upright and attentive administration whilst in office.”
James Madison had a very short military career. In October 1775, Madison was commissioned a colonel in the Orange County (Virginia) militia. He was with his regiment through basic training, drill and target practice, and he engaged in recruiting activities. When his regiment took to the field, Madison’s frail health forced him to leave it, and he saw no action during his brief military career.
James Monroe served in the Continental Army from March 1776 until December 1778. During that time, he rose in rank from lieutenant to major. In March 1776, Monroe dropped out of college to enlist in the 3rd Virginia Regiment. After basic training, the regiment joined Washington at Manhattan. Monroe was with the troops crossing the
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