Obama: Has pledged to withdraw the majority of combat troops in Iraq by summer 2010. “The removal of our troops will be responsible and phased, directed by military commanders on the ground and done in consultation with the Iraqi government. Military experts believe we can safely redeploy combat brigades from Iraq at a pace of 1 to 2 brigades a month that would remove them in 16 months."

McCain: Supports gradual drawdowns of troops from Iraq but will not set timelines for withdrawal. “It would be a grave mistake to leave before Al Qaeda in Iraq is defeated and before a competent, trained, and capable Iraqi security force is in place and operating effectively. Iraq must not become a failed state, a haven for terrorists, or a pawn of Iran."

Obama: Wants to send three more combat brigades to Afghanistan to deal with rising violence there. “In speaking with the commanders in Afghanistan, as well as folks who are out in the field, the strong impression was that more troops are needed and that we are spread thin. It’s not the only solution, but it is part of a more comprehensive focus on what I consider to be the central front on terrorism."

McCain: Advocates a “surge" of troops into Afghanistan, beyond the 20,000 planned in 2009. “Some of them should come from our allies … But we’re going to have to increase our troop presence. But let me emphasize: we know what a winning strategy is now. We used it in Iraq, and that strategy will be successful in Afghanistan."

Obama: Has pledged to meet with Iranian leaders face-to-face if it can improve relations; would use military action to prevent a nuclear Iran. “I believe our strongest tools at the outset have to be strong diplomacy, big carrots and big sticks that can change their calculus. We’ve tended to have vague carrots and inadequate sticks in dealing with them."

McCain: Has pledged not to meet face-to-face with Iranian leaders unless they make concessions; would use military action to prevent a nuclear Iran. “I think it’s a series of steps that have to be taken, beginning with efforts to impose sanctions that would affect Iranian efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. They do pose a threat in the region. And we need to act with our friends and allies."

Obama: Opposes the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the military. “The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. I will work with military leaders to repeal the current policy and ensure it helps accomplish our national defense goals."

McCain: Supports the ban on homosexuals serving openly. “I routinely talk to our active duty and retired military and they all say that the present policy is working. Accordingly, I support the current policy."

Obama: Would overturn rules prohibiting abortions from being performed at overseas military bases. “These services are available stateside, and family members overseas should have access to safe family planning procedures."

McCain: Supports the current restrictions on performing abortions at overseas bases. “I oppose the practice and have voted at least 11 times in the U.S. Senate to ban abortions from being performed in U.S. military medical facilities."

Obama: “We need to have every record in electronic form – service records, medical records – so that the minute someone is discharged those records are immediately gone with the push of a button. We need more people to evaluate claims. I still think that there is a sense that somehow the job of the VA is to protect the treasury as opposed to make sure that those who served are getting treated with the honor and respect that they deserve."

McCain: “I think the best thing we could possibly do is focus military medical care and the VA on treating the wounds directly related to combat: PTSD, combat wounds which they are uniquely qualified, through years of experience, to address.I think in the case of veterans that have ordinary health care needs, routine health care needs, we should do everything we can to give them a card that they can take to the health care provider or doctor of their choice to get health care immediately."

Obama: Would review current laws blocking women from serving in combat roles. “My strong belief is that we should strive for maximum equality between the sexes in all branches of the military with the caveat that effectiveness is our number on criteria. But I think the threshold should always be very high in proving that somehow effectiveness is enhanced by placing restrictions on women."

McCain: Would commission a study on the effect of having women serve in combat roles. “The parameters of the battlefield are dramatically bigger than the kinds of wars and conflicts that we used to fight. The first thing we need to do is have the joint chiefs study it and then give their recommendations."

Obama: Would end the policy of keeping troops past their separation dates in most cases. “That hurts morale, that hurts recruitment. But in situations in which good planning can prevent these kinds of unpredictable deployments, that should be the default rule, that should be the standard by which we’re operating."

McCain: Would keep the policy, but work to minimize it. “I hate it. So does everybody in the military. The way you cure the problem is by having a bigger military and succeeding and having victory in Iraq. It’s a symptom of the problem of the mismanagement of the war by (former Defense Secretary Donald) Rumsfeld, which we paid a very heavy price for nearly four years."