military "expertise"

I just read in an article that:

Graham is, by virtue of the fact that he has served in the military (as a JAG lawyer), widely considered a leading GOP spokesman on defense matters.

Now, here is where journalists and the general public's lack of understanding about the military comes into play. You see, statements like this seem perfectly logical: SEN Graham was in the military, so he's obviously knowledgeable about military issues. Right?

Wrong. You see, for those of you who don't know, JAG Lawyers, while in the military, are not "Soldiers" in any usual sense of the word. The idea that by being a JAG lawyer, one has special insight into the workings of Soldiers' minds is basically ridiculous. JAG lawyers, while I have nothing but respect for them and wanted to be one myself, will never be "down with the Soldiers". They will always be far, far from the "front lines". Why is this important? Because to rely upon Graham's experience as a JAG lawyer to make arguments about sleeping arrangements and showering conditions (the usual arguments brought up against repealing Don't Ask/Don't Tell) is a bit like arguing that Senator Boxer is probably the best person to address issues of Gang Violence because she was born in Brooklyn.

What's my point? Simply that the lack of military experience in general society makes damn near ANYONE who has ever put on a uniform some sort of "military expert" now. Take a look at the news and see how many "retired" Majors or Captains, or even Lieutenant Colonel's for that matter, who opine about the state of international relations, current military operations or Don't Ask/Don't Tell. Why do you think none of the news commentators ever ask what it was they DID in the military? Odds are, it was completely un-related.

I guess my point is, just because someone was in the military doesn't mean you have to take his or her opinion about things at face value as some sort of "expert". This doesn't just go for those who are opposed to DA/DT either, there are people on the other side of the fence who are the same.