Do leaders need to have a military background in order to execute successful policies involving the armed forces?

Successful public policies often hinge upon the ability of talented leaders to develop, promote, and execute those public policies.  In a two- to three page paper (not including the title and reference pages), discuss which leadership traits you feel are the most important in the creation of sound public policies.  Some questions to consider are: does a leader’s educational background matter significantly in providing leadership in the policy making process?  Do leaders need to have a military background in order to execute successful policies involving the armed forces?  Is it necessary for strong leaders in the policy making arena to have traveled widely and to have had significant foreign policy experience?