Since 1948, in every presidential election, at least one, if not both of the final candidates for the Presidency, has been in the military in some way.

Thomas E. Dewey and Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944 were the last combination of candidates who had not been, ironically in the midst of World War II.

But now in 2012, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have not served in the military, and neither have Rick Santorum nor Newt Gingrich. Ron Paul did serve in the military, but he has failed to catch on, despite the passionate support of his followers.

So in the midst of military involvement in Afghanistan, and possible challenges from Iran and other nations, our next President will have had no connection with the armed services personally.