Why is military service so important when people are running for public office?

You answered part of your own question:

"I think that anyone who defends their country should be applauded." Other people feel the same way. Plus, it's a way they can "prove" they are patriotic, which is just one edge over an opponent. They are also more likely to gain votes from those who have served or are serving in the military.

It boils down to just getting a few more votes.

When Clinton ran the first time the fact that he dodged the draft was not an issue with the Democrats as they told us that service in the military was not important (and I agree) to being President and that he dodged a draft that many people ran from because the war was unpopular. Then when Bush ran against Gore they complained that he skipped out on his obligation to serve his Guard tour (claims that have yet to be proved) and that he got the gig through connections, as if this was all now important. When Kerry took a shot at the White House he ran on his paltry Vietnam service record and the Dems hailed him as the next coming of MacArthur and all of the sudden service in Vietnam was important for the President.

It never ceases to amaze me at how the Democrats change what is acceptable based on the actions and qualifications of their candidates. It is also no secret that when a Republican has the qualities that they thought were good the last time their guy ran those qualities are all of the sudden bad now with the new election coming up.

yea

It was funny how Democrats said "military service is irrelevant" when Bill Clinton ran against WWII veteran Bob Dole

Then all of a sudden it became relevant when Hanoi John Kerry "reported for duty" at the 2004 Democrat Convention!

I guess since Hillary and Obama never served, now we're back to the pre-2004 mantra of "military service is irrelevant" again....right libs?!

Well, in the case of the president, it is important because they are the one who would be responsible to making decisions about our armed services. It also cis a sign of dedication that one person has for our nation. I don't think that a person's military experience should be the reason we make them our president, but it does allow them to have inside knowledge of the military.

In the case of the President who automatically becomes CIC of the military, and for the secretary of defense position surely having someone with prior military experience (especially in combat) makes sense?

Having military experience helps the official identify with the soldiers that may well be sent at his or her command to accomplish missions. It can definitely help in sizing up your troops to see if they have the ability to get a job done.

most of the politicians who have military experience where officers and have some combat experience. It goes along way with knowing how things work and making policy.

The military contains a lot of votes

It isn't that important to me. The U.S. was not at war when I was of age to get into military. I did not join, went to college instead. Guess that means I am unpatriotic somehow.

Because people are ignorant and uneducated.