The question of whether Vice President Kamala Harris served in the military arose amidst a viral video controversy. This video, circulating widely on social media, depicted Vice President Harris seemingly not returning salutes to military personnel as she boarded Air Force Two in Georgia on March 19. Immediately, accusations of disrespect towards the military and violations of protocol surfaced online, sparking a heated debate. This incident brought to the forefront not only the expected interactions between civilian leaders and the military but also, implicitly, the public’s perception of Vice President Harris’s background and relationship with the armed forces.
The video in question, shared extensively across platforms like Facebook and Twitter, shows Vice President Harris at Dobbins Air Reserve Base near Atlanta. As she ascends the stairs to Air Force Two, two uniformed military escorts are seen saluting her. However, Harris does not appear to reciprocate the salute. This led to immediate criticism. One Facebook user’s post, echoing sentiments widely shared, labeled the behavior “DISGRACEFUL,” suggesting it was a “clear demonstration of her dislike for those in uniform, both law-enforcement and military.” Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik amplified this narrative on Twitter, stating that by not returning the salute, Harris was failing to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of military members, emphasizing respect, honor, and leadership. Further fueling the controversy, articles like one from the DailyWire with headlines such as “Kamala Harris Breaks Precedent, Skips Saluting Military Before Boarding Air Force Two,” contributed to the perception that the Vice President had acted improperly or disrespectfully.
However, the central point missed in much of this online discourse is the actual protocol – or lack thereof – regarding a Vice President’s obligation to return military salutes. Despite the outrage and claims of broken precedent, the truth is that Vice President Kamala Harris, like all Vice Presidents before her, is not required to return salutes from military personnel. This is because the Vice President, while holding a high civilian office, is not part of the military chain of command. As Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby clarified in a statement to USA TODAY, “There is no overarching instruction or regulation that requires the President or Vice President to return hand salutes from members of the Armed Forces.” Kirby further emphasized Vice President Harris’s “respect and admiration for the men and women of the military, as well as their families.”
So, against this backdrop of salutes and protocol, the question “Did Kamala Harris Serve In The Military?” becomes particularly relevant. Understanding her background provides essential context to the public discussion surrounding her interactions with the military. The answer to this question is straightforward: No, Kamala Harris has not served in the military. Her career path has been in law and politics, beginning as a prosecutor, then District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and finally as a U.S. Senator and now Vice President. Her public service is extensive and impactful, but it has not included military service.
This lack of military background is not unusual for U.S. Vice Presidents or Presidents. Historically, while many presidents and vice presidents have served in the military, it is not a prerequisite for holding office. The focus for civilian leaders is on their respect for and command authority over the military, rather than personal military service. In Vice President Harris’s case, her actions, when viewed through the lens of actual protocol, are perfectly within established norms. The controversy, therefore, highlights a misunderstanding of military customs and the roles of civilian leadership, rather than any actual misstep by the Vice President.
In conclusion, the viral video controversy surrounding Vice President Harris and military salutes brought forth questions about her respect for the military and adherence to protocol. While the video sparked debate and criticism, it is crucial to understand that Vice President Harris was not in violation of any protocol by not returning the salute. Furthermore, to address the implicit question raised by the controversy and public discourse: No, Kamala Harris did not serve in the military. Her background is in law and public administration. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of factual accuracy and understanding protocol in public discourse, especially concerning interactions between civilian leaders and the U.S. military.
