Presidents Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on the third Monday in February. Originally established to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States, it now recognizes all of the men who have held the highest office in the country. Of the 46 individuals who have served as President of the United States (as of 2021), 30% (or 14 Presidents) have served in the military. This includes those who served on active duty in various branches of the military, as well as those who served in the National Guard or state militias. 

Here is a list of all US Presidents who have served in the military, along with their branch of service and rank:

1. George Washington - Continental Army, General
2. James Monroe - Continental Army, Major
3. Andrew Jackson - US Army, Major General
4. William Henry Harrison - US Army, Major General
5. John Tyler - Virginia Militia, Captain; US Army, Colonel
6. Zachary Taylor - US Army, Major General
7. Franklin Pierce - US Army, Brigadier General
8. Abraham Lincoln - Illinois Militia, Captain
9. Ulysses S. Grant - US Army, General
10. Rutherford B. Hayes - US Army, Major General
11. James A. Garfield - US Army, Major General
12. Chester A. Arthur - New York Militia, Brigadier General
13. Benjamin Harrison - US Army, Brigadier General
14. William McKinley - US Army, Major
15. Theodore Roosevelt - US Army, Colonel
16. Harry S. Truman - Missouri National Guard, Colonel; US Army, Colonel
17. Dwight D. Eisenhower - US Army, General of the Army
18. John F. Kennedy - US Navy, Lieutenant
19. Lyndon B. Johnson - US Navy, Commander
20. Richard Nixon - US Navy, Lieutenant Commander
21. Gerald Ford - US Navy, Lieutenant Commander
22. Jimmy Carter - US Navy, Lieutenant
23. Ronald Reagan - US Army Air Forces, Captain
24. George H.W. Bush - US Navy, Lieutenant Junior Grade
25. George W. Bush - Texas Air National Guard, Lieutenant; US Air Force, Captain

Military experience can provide a unique set of leadership skills that can be particularly valuable for individuals who aspire to become presidents or business leaders. In the military, leaders are often required to make difficult decisions quickly and with limited information, which requires a high degree of strategic thinking and adaptability. Military leaders are also trained to remain calm under pressure and to lead their team through challenging situations. These skills can be invaluable for presidents and business leaders who must navigate complex and rapidly changing environments.

Additionally, military experience can instill strong values and ethics in leaders. In the military, leaders are trained to operate with a high degree of integrity and to prioritize the safety and well-being of their team members. These values can translate into effective leadership in other settings, where leaders must make decisions that are in the best interest of their stakeholders, whether it be employees, customers, or the broader public. Ultimately, military experience can provide a valuable foundation for developing the leadership skills necessary to succeed as a president or business leader. 

If you’re an employer looking to hire someone with leadership, decisiveness, strong values, and ethics, consider hiring someone with military experience to join your  organization.