The United States Constitution names the President of the United States the commander in chief of the U.S. armed forces. However, previous service in the military is not a pre-requisite for the position of president. The following list outlines the military service (or lack) of each president before becoming the commander in chief. Page I of the Constitution of the United States of America Page II of the United States Constitution Page III of the United States Constitution Page IV of the United States Constitution The Syng inkstand, with which the Constitution was signed The Constitution of the United States is the supreme... The President of the United States is the head of state of the United States. ... Commander-in-Chief is the commander of all the military forces within a particular region or of all the military forces of a state. ... ...

See also: List of U.S. Presidents by military rank The United States Constitution names the President of the United States the commander in chief of the U.S. armed forces. ...

George W. Bush: He served as an F-102 pilot in the Texas National Guard but never took part in actual combat. He was twice promoted during his service, first to second lieutenant and then to first lieutenant. He is

Bill Clinton: None

George H. W. Bush: Served in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of lieutenant (junior grade). He was the youngest pilot in the navy during World War II (age 19). He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Ronald Reagan: Commissioned in 1935 as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve; served in the United States Army during World War II, attaining the rank of major. He was barred from combat because of poor eyesight. He narrated pre-flight training films for the Army Air Force Motion Picture Unit.

Jimmy Carter: Served in the United States Navy (1946-1953), attaining the rank of lieutenant senior grade.

Gerald Ford: Served in the United States Navy during World War II, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander. He earned 10 battle stars.

Richard Nixon: Served in the United States Navy during World War II, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander.

Lyndon B. Johnson: Served in the United States Navy during World War II, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander. He earned a Silver Star.

John F. Kennedy: Served in the United States Navy during World War II, attaining the rank of lieutenant. He earned a Purple Heart after being injured in the PT-109 incident.

Dwight D. Eisenhower: attended West Point; served in the United States Army (1915-1948; 1951-1952), attaining the rank of five-star general, and was Supreme Allied Commander in World War II.

Harry S. Truman: Served in the Missouri National Guard (1905-1911; 1917); served with the 129th Field Artillery (1917-1919), attaining the rank of major.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: None

Herbert Hoover: None

Calvin Coolidge: None

Warren G. Harding: None

Woodrow Wilson: None

William Howard Taft: None

Theodore Roosevelt: Served as a member of the New York national guard (1882-1885); served as commander of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment during the Spanish American War, attaining the rank of colonel.

William McKinley: Served with the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War, attaining the rank of brevet major.

Benjamin Harrison: Served with the 70th Indiana Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War, attaining the rank of brigadier general.

Grover Cleveland: None. He was drafted during the American Civil War, but paid $150 for a substitute (a legal option under the terms of the Conscription Act of 1863).

Chester A. Arthur: Served in the New York State militia (1858-1862) and fought in the American Civil War, attaining the rank as quartermaster general.

James A. Garfield: Served in the American Civil War, attaining the rank of major general.

Rutherford B. Hayes: Served in the American Civil War with the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, attaining the rank of major general.

Ulysses S. Grant: attended West Point; served in the Mexican War and the American Civil War, attaining the rank of general of the army, the first since Washington to do so.

Andrew Johnson: Served in the American Civil War, attaining the rank of brigadier general.

Abraham Lincoln: Served in the Black Hawk War, attaining the rank of captain, but was reprimanded twice and re-enlisted as a private.

James Buchanan: Served in the War of 1812.

Franklin Pierce: Served in the Mexican-American War, attaining the rank of colonel.

Millard Fillmore: None

Zachary Taylor: Served in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, the Second Seminole War, and the Mexican-American War, attaning the rank of major general. He became a national hero because of his achievements in the Mexican-American War.

James K. Polk: Served in a militia cavalry regiment, attaining the rank of colonel.

John Tyler: Served in the War of 1812, attaning the rank of captain.

William Henry Harrison: Served in the U.S. Army (1791-1798, 1812-1814), attaining the rank of major general in the War of 1812 and became a national hero after his success at the Battle of the Thames.

Martin Van Buren: None

Andrew Jackson: Served at the age of 13 with the Continental Army (1780) during the American Revolution as a messenger, and was held as a prisoner of war (the only U.S. president to do so); served in the War of 1812, attaining the rank of general and became a national hero after his success at the Battle of New Orleans.

John Quincy Adams: None

James Monroe: Served in the Continental Army (1776-1778) during the American Revolution, attaining the rank of major. Monroe was among those who crossed the Delaware with Washington.

James Madison: Served in the Orange County, Virginia militia during the American Revolutionary War, attaning the rank of colonel.

Thomas Jefferson: None

John Adams: None

George Washington: Served in the Virginia militia (1752-1758), attaining the rank of colonel; served as commander in chief of the Continental Army (1775-1783) during the American Revolutionary War, with the rank of general.

George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the current President of the United States and former Governor of the State of Texas. ... William Jefferson Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III on August 19, 1946) was the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. ... George Herbert Walker Bush (born June 12, 1924) was the 41st President of the United States (1989–1993). ... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... World War II was a truly global conflict with many facets: immense human suffering, fierce indoctrinations, and the use of new, extremely devastating weapons like the atom bomb. ... The Distinguished Flying Cross. ... Ronald Reagan - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... World War II was a truly global conflict with many facets: immense human suffering, fierce indoctrinations, and the use of new, extremely devastating weapons like the atom bomb. ... James Earl Jimmy Carter, Jr. ... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr. ... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... World War II was a truly global conflict with many facets: immense human suffering, fierce indoctrinations, and the use of new, extremely devastating weapons like the atom bomb. ... Richard Milhous Nixon (January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994) was the thirty-seventh President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. ... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... World War II was a truly global conflict with many facets: immense human suffering, fierce indoctrinations, and the use of new, extremely devastating weapons like the atom bomb. ... Lyndon Baines Johnson (August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973), often referred to as LBJ, was the thirty-sixth President of the United States (1963–1969). ... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... World War II was a truly global conflict with many facets: immense human suffering, fierce indoctrinations, and the use of new, extremely devastating weapons like the atom bomb. ... The Silver Star is a United States military award which is presented to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Armed Forces, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing... JFK redirects here. ... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... World War II was a truly global conflict with many facets: immense human suffering, fierce indoctrinations, and the use of new, extremely devastating weapons like the atom bomb. ... The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded in the name of the President of the United States to those who have been wounded or killed while serving in or with the U.S. military after April 5, 1917. ... PT-109 redirects here. ... Dwight David Ike Eisenhower, born David Dwight Eisenhower on October 14, 1890, American soldier and politician, was the 34th President of the United States (1953–1961) and Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II, with the rank of General of the Army. ... Alternate meanings: West Point (disambiguation). ... The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... Supreme Allied Commander is the title given to the most senior commander of some multinational organisations. ... World War II was a truly global conflict with many facets: immense human suffering, fierce indoctrinations, and the use of new, extremely devastating weapons like the atom bomb. ... For the victim of Mt. ... Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882–April 12, 1945), 32nd President of the United States, the longest-serving holder of the office and the only man to be elected President more than twice, was one of the central figures of 20th century history. ... Herbert Clark Hoover (August 10, 1874 – October 20, 1964) is best known as being the 31st President of the United States (1929-1933). ... John Calvin Coolidge, Jr. ... Warren Gamaliel Harding (November 2, 1865 – August 2, 1923) was an American politician and the 29th President of the United States, serving from 1921 to 1923, when he became the sixth president to die in office. ... Order: 28th President Vice President: Thomas R. Marshall Term of office: March 4, 1913 – March 3, 1921 Preceded by: William Howard Taft Succeeded by: Warren G. Harding Date of birth: December 28, 1856 Place of birth: Staunton, Virginia Date of death: February 3, 1924 Place of death: Washington, D.C... William Howard Taft (September 15, 1857 – March 8, 1930) was an American politician, jurist, and the 27th President of the United States, serving a single term from 1909 to 1913. ... Order: 26th President Vice President: Charles Warren Fairbanks Term of office: September 14, 1901 – March 3, 1909 Preceded by: William McKinley Succeeded by: William Howard Taft Date of birth: October 27, 1858 Place of birth: New York City Date of death: January 6, 1919 Place of death: Oyster Bay, New... Roosevelt and the Rough Riders atop San Juan Heights, 1898 The Rough Riders was the name bestowed by the American press on the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry regiment during the Spanish-American War. ... The Spanish-American War took place in 1898, and resulted in the United States of America gaining control over the former colonies of Spain in the Caribbean and Pacific. ... The name Mckinly redirects here. ... The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ... In the US military, brevet refers to a warrant authorizing a commissioned officer to hold a higher rank temporarily, but usually without receiving the pay of that higher rank. ... This article is about the President. ... The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ... Stephen Grover Cleveland (March 18, 1837 – June 24, 1908) was the 22nd (1885–1889) and 24th (1893–1897) President of the United States, and the only President to serve two non-consecutive terms. ... The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ... Chester Alan Arthur (October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886) was an American politician who served as 21st President of the United States. ... The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ... James Abram Garfield (November 19, 1831 – September 19, 1881) was the 20th President of the United States (1881), and the second U.S. President to be assassinated. ... The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ... Order: 19th President Vice President: William A. Wheeler Term of office: March 4, 1877 – March 4, 1881 Preceded by: Ulysses S. Grant Succeeded by: James Garfield Date of birth: October 4, 1822 Place of birth: Delaware, Ohio Date of death: January 17, 1893 Place of death: Fremont, Ohio First Lady... The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ... Ulysses S. Grant (April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885) was a Union general in the American Civil War and the 18th President of the United States (1869–1877). ... Alternate meanings: West Point (disambiguation). ... The Mexican-American War was a war fought between the United States and Mexico between 1846 and 1848. ... The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ... Order: 17th President Vice President: none Term of office: April 15, 1865 – March 4, 1869 Preceded by: Abraham Lincoln Succeeded by: Ulysses S. Grant Date of birth: December 29, 1808 Place of birth: Raleigh, North Carolina Date of death: July 31, 1875 Place of death: near Elizabethton, Tennessee First Lady... The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ... Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865), sometimes called Abe Lincoln and nicknamed Honest Abe, the Rail Splitter, and the Great Emancipator, was the 16th President of the United States (1861–1865), and the first president from the Republican Party. ... The Black Hawk War was fought in 1832 in the Midwestern section of the United States. ... James Buchanan (April 23, 1791 – June 1, 1868) was the 15th President of the United States (1857-1861). ... The War of 1812 was a conflict fought in North America between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815. ... Order: 14th President Vice President: William R. King Term of office: March 4, 1853 – March 4, 1857 Preceded by: Millard Fillmore Succeeded by: James Buchanan Date of birth: November 23, 1804 Place of birth: Hillsborough, New Hampshire Date of death: October 8, 1869 Place of death: Concord, New Hampshire First... The Mexican-American War was fought between the United States and Mexico between 1846 and 1848. ... Millard Fillmore (January 7, 1800 – March 8, 1874) was the thirteenth (1850–1853) President of the United States and the second President to succeed to the office from the Vice Presidency on the death of the predecessor. ... Zachary Taylor (November 24, 1784 – July 9, 1850), also known as Old Rough and Ready, was the twelfth President of the United States, serving from 1849 to 1850. ... The War of 1812 was a conflict fought in North America between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815. ... The Black Hawk War was fought in 1832 in the Midwestern section of the United States. ... Osceola, Seminole leader, detail from an 1838 lithograph The Seminole Wars, also known as the Florida Wars, were three wars or conflicts in Florida between the Seminole Native American tribe and the United States. ... The Mexican-American War was fought between the United States and Mexico between 1846 and 1848. ... James Knox Polk (November 2, 1795 – June 15, 1849) was the eleventh President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1845 to March 4, 1849. ... A militia is a group of citizens organized to provide paramilitary service. ... John Tyler (March 29, 1790 - January 18, 1862), of Virginia, was the tenth (1841) Vice President of the United States, and the tenth (1841-1845) President of the United States. ... The War of 1812 was a conflict fought in North America between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815. ... Order: 9th President Vice President: John Tyler Term of office: March 4, 1841 – April 4, 1841 Preceded by: Martin Van Buren Succeeded by: John Tyler Date of birth: February 9, 1773 Place of birth: Berkeley, Virginia Date of death: April 4, 1841 Place of death: Washington D.C. First Lady... The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... The War of 1812 was a conflict fought in North America between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815. ... The Battle of the Thames, also known as the Battle of Moraviantown, was a battle in the War of 1812 which took place on October 5, 1813. ... Order: 8th President Vice President: Richard M. Johnson Term of office: March 4, 1837 – March 4, 1841 Preceded by: Andrew Jackson Succeeded by: William Henry Harrison Date of birth: December 5, 1782 Place of birth: Kinderhook, New York Date of death: July 24, 1862 Place of death: Kinderhook, New York... Andrew Jackson (March 15, 1767 – June 8, 1845), one of the founders of the Democratic Party, was the seventh President of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837. ... The Continental Army was the unified command structure of the thirteen colonies fighting Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. ... Before the Revolution: The 13 colonies are in red, the pink area was claimed by Great Britain after the French and Indian War, and the orange region was claimed by Spain. ... Geneva Convention definition A prisoner of war (POW) is a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine who is imprisoned by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict. ... The War of 1812 was a conflict fought in North America between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815. ... In the Battle of New Orleans of the War of 1812, the United States forces defeated the British on January 8, 1815. ... Order: 6th President Vice President: John Caldwell Calhoun Term of office: March 4, 1825 – March 4, 1829 Preceded by: James Monroe Succeeded by: Andrew Jackson Date of birth: July 11, 1767 Place of birth: Braintree, Massachusetts Date of death: February 23, 1848 Place of death: Washington, D.C. First Lady... James Monroe (April 28, 1758 – July 4, 1831) was the fifth (1817–1825) President of the United States. ... The Continental Army was the unified command structure of the thirteen colonies fighting Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. ... Before the Revolution: The 13 colonies are in red, the pink area was claimed by Great Britain after the French and Indian War, and the orange region was claimed by Spain. ... The Battle of Trenton took place on December 26, 1776 during the American Revolutionary War after Washingtons crossing of the Delaware. ... James Madison (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836) was the fourth (1809–1817) President of the United States. ... Orange County is a county located in the state of Virginia. ... A militia is a group of citizens organized to provide paramilitary service. ... The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the American War of Independence, was a war fought primarily between Great Britain and revolutionaries within thirteen North American colonies. ... Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826) was the third (1801–1809) President of the United States, second(1797)–1801) Vice President of the United States, and an American statesman, ambassador to France, political philosopher, revolutionary, agriculturalist, horticulturist, land owner, architect, archaeologist, slaveowner, author, inventor, and founder of the... John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) was the first (1789–1797) Vice President of the United States, and the second (1797–1801) President of the United States. ... George Washington (February 22, 1732–December 14, 1799) was an American planter, political figure, and military leader. ... The Continental Army was the unified command structure of the thirteen colonies fighting Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. ... The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the American War of Independence, was a war fought primarily between Great Britain and revolutionaries within thirteen North American colonies. ...

Presidential trivia lists