Enlisted members are important for legislative advocacy concerning the military:

• Firsthand experience: Enlisted soldiers make up the backbone of the military. They have firsthand experience with the issues that impact them, like equipment quality, healthcare access, and deployment conditions. Their stories and perspectives can be powerful tools for advocacy.

• Constituent voice: Lawmakers prioritize the needs of their constituents. Enlisted members who live in districts and states have a strong voice as voters. Their advocacy efforts can directly influence legislators who represent them.

• Human element: Military issues can sometimes get bogged down in technical jargon or abstract strategy. Enlisted members can add a human face to these issues, showing the real-world impact of policies on everyday soldiers.

• Building coalitions: Enlisted members can connect with veterans' organizations and other military supporters to amplify their message. This united front can be more persuasive to lawmakers.

• Raising awareness: Enlisted service members can educate the public about the needs of the military. This can garner broader support for legislative initiatives.

Overall, enlisted members play a crucial role in ensuring that military issues are heard and addressed by lawmakers. Their firsthand experience, voting power, and ability to connect with the public make them valuable assets in legislative advocacy and developing meaningful connections.