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U.S. Military and the Presidency: A Historical Overview

 
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This article explores the history of U.S. military involvement in the presidency, including the 12 presidents who have served and their ranks, the presence of four-star generals, and the impact of international relations on military policy.

A group of men in military uniforms standing in front of the White House.

The US presidency has a long and storied history of military involvement. From George Washington, who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental army, to Joe Biden, who served in the United States Navy Reserve, the US presidency has been shaped by the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Of the 46 men who have become president, 12 not only served but reached the rank of general, six of them during the Civil War. Men such as General Ulysses S. Grant, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and General George Washington, who are remembered for their service in the military, have left a lasting legacy in the United States.

In addition to the presidents who have held the rank of general or admiral, there are also four-star generals and admirals who have made significant contributions to the country. Hundreds in U.S. history have held the rank of four-star general or admiral, only 10 are women. Richardson is one of four of those women who have held the rank, and is the first woman to lead the US Navy. At the White House on Friday morning — almost 58 years after his acts of bravery and service — former Coast Guard Admiral Thad Fox was honored for his service. Fox was born on Sept. 14, 1932, and began his military career in 1951. He finally retired from the military just a few days later, after reaching the maximum number of years in service for his Coast Guard rank.

The military is also involved in international relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on his nation's military to remain on high alert, warning that the US and China are heading for “conflict and confrontation” due to American policy. President Biden has long believed that we need to grow the economy from the middle out and invest in our national security. The Budget provides $20.5 billion for Title I, a $2.2 billion increase above the FY 2020 enacted level, to ensure the U.S. military is equipped with the latest technology.

The U.S. and South Korea also have a long history of military cooperation. WASHINGTON — President Biden will host President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea at the White House on Friday. During the visit, the leaders agreed to reinstate joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises that were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two leaders also discussed the security situation in the region, including the threat posed by North Korea.

Ukraine has also been a major focus of the Biden administration's foreign policy. Aid for Ukraine is expected to be a major topic when President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meet at the White House on Friday. In recent weeks, Biden has proposed a new $1 billion aid package to Ukraine to help the country defend itself against Russian aggression. The package includes an additional $200 million in military assistance.

Russia has also been a significant source of military tension. 'Russia had been accumulating weapons and equipment over the long years of the Cold War,' military intelligence chief Elegijus Paulavicius told reporters. Russia's military capabilities have grown significantly in recent years, and the Biden administration has responded with increased sanctions and other measures.

Labels:
u.s. militarypresidencyhistorygeneralsadmiralsinternational relationsrussiaukrainesouth koreachina

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