Ex-military brass are all over the lobbying landscape these days, lending their stars to politically oriented causes — from the strategic arms reduction treaty to “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the international affairs budget, energy and climate legislation, and the fight against childhood obesity....With the nation at war for nearly a decade, the clout of generals — despite scandals about former officers cashing in on their positions — is high. The military remains by far the most popular institution in the United States. Last year, 82 percent of Americans said they have confidence in the military, according to a Gallup Poll.
“The military is just about the most admired category of people in our society today, so they have the potential to have a profound impact on the political system once they retire,” said Loren Thompson, chief operating officer for the defense industry-funded Lexington Institute.
And that’s exactly what makes ex-generals attractive pitchmen for all kinds of causes that touch national security. Plus, generals have been trained by the military to communicate with their higher-ranking bosses and lower-ranking troops. They tend to retire young, in their 50s, and have plenty of energy and discipline to share.
Why is obesity an issue for retired brass? A Fox Business News interview explains:
