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Letters

LIGHTEN LOAD NOW

The article discussing lighter and more mobile gear for use in Afghanistan is dead on [“Lighter, more mobile gear,” March 23]. I have walked the streets of Baghdad and spent 15 months in the Konar and Nuristan provinces of Afghanistan, and it is readily apparent that they are two completely different fights.

Iraq is a fight where soldiers are predominately mounted, and when dismounted, have vehicles close by for support.

Afghanistan is a different fight, in which soldiers often are air-inserted onto remote mountains. Soldiers then conduct multiple-day dismounted missions with minimal support. We are absolutely doing our soldiers a disservice when they have to conduct missions with loads over 100 pounds.

As an avid backpacker and climber, it has baffled me why the Army is so slow to react to the significant developments in lighter and stronger gear that is available in any local outfitter store.

-- Capt. Matthew Cannon, Fort Gordon, Ga.

LOOK BEYOND THE OATH

All of us who have served or are serving in the armed forces have recited either the oath of office (for officers) or the enlistment oath. The challenge for all who have taken either of these oaths is to take them seriously. Reflect upon the seriousness and implications of taking an oath.

Even though the oaths are different, the first and most important part is the promise to support and defend the Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic. It is shocking how many people have not read a document they vowed to uphold. It is also important to read and understand why it was written and the intent of the founders.

Why is this so important? The Constitution of the United States is the foundation for the rule of law in our country. It limits the power of the federal government over the states and guarantees individual liberties. If we err, and accept our rights come from a government, then that government has the power to take those rights away.

Some of us might be required to make tough decisions regarding the oath. Do I follow an order even if it violates the Constitution or is otherwise unlawful? What will I do if that decision will end my career? These are questions everyone in uniform needs to ask himself.

-- Lt. Cmdr. Brian O’Donnell, Leavenworth, Kan.

end ‘DON’T ASK’ debate

I could not agree more with former Staff Sgt. Mark Vandendyke’s letter in the 27 April edition of Army Times regarding the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy [“ ‘Don’t ask’ book flawed,” April 27].

It would please me to no end for the defense secretary and the chiefs of staff of all services to come out with a statement to the effect that they support current policy, and they’re not going to change it unless ordered to do so by the Supreme Court and the president.

This matter has been kicked to death, in my opinion.

-- Maj. Leon Davenport (ret.), Blairsville, Ga.

PRIVACY WOULD BE NICE

As I was reading the “stupidest rules” encouraged/entered on Maj. Gen. Michael Oates’ blog [“No brainer,” June 1], I couldn’t help but think about the Army’s urinalysis program.

Privacy is not an option, but must be given up. I won’t allude to the requirement being stupid, but if private-sector businesses provide urine sample bottles to their employees, and they are directed to a restroom unaccompanied, why do we in the Army enforce direct observation?

I do understand there will be certain soldiers who, by any imaginable means, will attempt to devise some method of undermining the system. But the majority would participate in the program as designed.

The current program requires soldiers to be accompanied by an observer, of like gender, into a restroom stall, whereby the stall door is not authorized to be closed. The observer must observe at all times.

Should the Army overturn the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and allow homosexual soldiers to openly serve and be potential observers in the future, this would surely not help with the uneasy feeling about the current process.

I recommend the Army revamp the program by having soldiers remove all personal belongings from the uniform, remove the outer ACU shirt and still be accompanied into a designated restroom with an observer, but allow the stall door be closed for just a small bit of privacy.

The thought of giving blood would be a more favorable option to consider.

-- Maj. Debbie Lipscomb, Fort Knox, Ky.