thumb|2012 US Air Force graphic depicting military-veteran presidents
Of the 45 men who have served as president of the United States, 31 had prior military service, and 14 had none. Their ranks range from private in a state militia to general of the army. Many presidents gained prominence through service in major conflicts such as the American Revolutionary War, the American Civil War, and World War II. In contrast, several later wars, including the Vietnam War and the Global War on Terror, produced few presidents with direct combat experience, reflecting broader changes in military structure, conscription, and civil–military relations.
History
thumb|[[General George Washington Resigning His Commission (1824) by John Trumbull]]
Though the president of the United States is commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces, prior military service is not a prerequisite for holding the office.<!-- exhausted -->
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