That effort is a reminder that when all the active-duty, reserve-component, retiree and dependent beneficiaries of the present system are added up, they exceed the margin of victory in many swing states during the 2008 election.

FORBES: How Politics Will Shape The Defense Downturn

And this year -- the first time in the history of the all-volunteer force -- the Navy and every component of every branch of the military, active, Guard and Reserve, met or exceeded their recruiting and retention goals.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Addresses Servicemen and Women in Jacksonville, FL | The White House