Gallup and With Honor Institute survey Americans to view their perceptions of veterans as political candidates, community leaders and more.
Gallup and With Honor Institute formed a new partnership to survey how Americans view military experience in a variety of leadership roles, such as political and community. For this study, Gallup interviewed more than 2,000 people from Aug. 1-15. It’s the first in a planned series of studies that will examine how Americans view veterans in areas of trust, confidence and ethics, among others.
Polling from Gallup and With Honor Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit, found that 55% of Americans say prior military service would make them more likely to support a candidate for office, more so than government (52%) or business experience (46%).
The study also finds that Americans view veterans as strong leaders. Strong leadership qualities are something 83% of Americans strongly agree/agree applies to those with military experience. Meanwhile, 78% of Americans strongly agree/agree veterans can put the country’s interests ahead of their own personal or partisan interests; work well with people from different backgrounds (77%); and understand complex global security challenges (75%).
“This research comes at a pivotal moment,” said Rye Barcott, founder and president of With Honor Institute. “Americans see veterans as leaders of integrity who put country above politics — and they are more likely to support candidates with military experience. Veterans have a unique ability to bridge divides and strengthen our democracy by continuing to serve beyond their military careers.”
Additionally, the poll found that 83% of Americans say they would trust veterans to assist with disaster relief efforts more than others who have no military experience. Veterans are also 70% more trusted to help U.S. leaders make good foreign policy decisions; 68% more trusted to serve honorably in community leadership roles; 64% more trusted more to serve when representing the U.S. in international talks or forums; and 62% more trusted when teaching or mentoring youth.
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