Steve Buyer - Military Career

Military Career

Buyer, as an Army reserve officer, had three years of active duty after graduating from law school in 1984. During the Gulf War (1990–1991), Buyer, then a captain, spent five months on active duty, giving legal counsel to commanders and interrogating Iraqi P.O.W.s.

On March 20, 2003, Buyer said to The United States Congress that "I have been called to active duty in the United States Army. Pending further orders, I request immediate indefinite leave of the United States House of Representatives to accommodate my military duties." He also said that "a need was identified, of which Congressman Buyer has the unique skill and experience to meet the requirements," to serve in Iraq. Claiming to be called to active duty, he took a leave of absence from Congress.

Buyer spent his paid absence from Congress in his home in Monticello Indiana. Ten days later, he said he had not been activated, contradicting his previous statement, and that he was returning to Congress. Defense Department rules, prevent those on active duty from campaigning for and holding elective office. Thus in June 2003, the Indianapolis Star reported that the Army, in a March 31 letter to Buyer signed by Army Secretary Thomas White, had rejected Buyer's offer to serve in the Iraq War because "we are able to meet the need without your participation," and "we are concerned that your presence would put in jeopardy the safety of those serving around you."

In April 2004, Buyer was promoted to Colonel in the United States Army Reserve