It's probably an American thing. As a politician it matters a lot here whether you served in the military.
Halfway off topic, I have two books to recommend. Neither of them is to everyone's taste but both are exceptionally well written and won awards. In writing it doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, who you like or don't like. You're hanging it all out there.
>As an european, we often are wondering what military has to do with politics? >It seems that if you have a history in the military, you are a better politician than the other. Why ? > > > >>>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/26/tammy-duckworth-strong-castle_n_3504531.html >> >>She is local and I think she's terrific. Her moronic opponent in last fall's election, Joe Walsh, had the nerve to say she talked too much about her military service. When you have had both legs blown off in a war I think you have earned the right to talk about it.