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Letters

RETAIN THIS, ARMY

I’ve served in the Army for almost six years now. When I asked about a bonus for re-enlisting, I was told that the bonus for my military occupational specialty was in the four-digit numbers. Shortly after that, I thought, “Well, I served two tours in Iraq and I’m going on round three, I enjoy the Army, my [military occupational specialty] and leading soldiers into battle.”

Then it hit me that a soldier who enlists in the Army can receive $20,000 to $40,000 dollars but soldiers who served a great amount of time in Iraq or any other deployment don’t get that same gratitude as those who enlist. I have known so many good [noncommissioned officers] during my career who have separated from the Army due to the way our retention program works.

I think that if the Army wants to keep NCOs, it needs to change the bonus amount on all MOSs, especially those that are combat-related, and for those who have served a great amount of time in the Army. If the Army wants to keep NCOs and all soldiers in general, it needs to change the retention program and give more to those who have been serving their country. I think that if the Army works on this issue, soldiers will want to continue to serve.

Staff Sgt. William L. Shawl III

Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

TESTING CAMO IN COMBAT?

In regard to the article “Camo Tested in Afghanistan” [Dec. 14], was it really necessary to place men under fire just to evaluate whether or not new camo patterns blend in Afghanistan? I have done ground combat tours in Regional Command-East, RC-South, RC-West and RC-Capital, to include a tour in Khost, right where the team was testing camo patterns. There is nothing so different about the terrain or vegetation in any of the areas I have been in Afghanistan that the same terrain can’t be found elsewhere in the world, including locations in the United States.

Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Clouse

Camp Mackall, N.C.

KEEP IT TO YOURSELF

Where in the Army Values does it say that, in order to be a good soldier, I should come to work and discuss my sexual orientation with my soldiers, peers or superiors? Regardless of what my orientation may be, I cannot imagine a situation where that would be appropriate or necessary. Additionally, how am I discriminating against someone if I do not know what their sexual orientation is? Have I prevented them from serving their country?

Eventually, since it is a big Army, a soldier whose personal or religious views do not approve or allow homosexuality will be billeted with an openly homosexual soldier. Who is being discriminated against then? The Army is an enormous organization with an even more enormous task. That is the defense of our nation, Constitution and way of life. Given the fact that we have hundreds of thousands of individuals working toward a common goal — which quite often involves life and death situations — we must be willing to sacrifice a few personal liberties on the altar of “the greater good.”

Some may feel that “don’t ask, don’t tell” is pointless discrimination. I am sure that these people base that opinion on the fact that they themselves are not bothered by homosexuality. The bottom line is, we should re-examine what it is to be a soldier.

Staff Sgt. James Emmons

Fort Benning, Ga.

HIRE VETS TO help students

I have been following with interest the problems facing veterans who are trying to access the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Years ago, I served as director of veterans services at the University of Maine. This was at the end the Vietnam War, and many of our students had problems getting their GI Bill benefits then, as well. What helped under the Veterans Cost of Instruction Program was the requirement that every director of veterans services be a veteran. Almost all of us were Vietnam veterans. We were able to pressure the VA through Congress, as well as through our contacts in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other such organizations to speed up payments to our fellow vets.

Today, there is no requirement that the director of veterans services at a college or university be a veteran. I believe this is a mistake. In addition to helping vets get their benefits, we also provided counseling services. Many student veterans were relieved that they could speak to a fellow vet regarding their problems.

Given the large amounts of VA funds received by colleges and universities, they should be required to hire veterans to head up their offices of veterans services.

Prof. Harvey Goldstein (ret.)

Punta Gorda, Fla.

BEARDS? NOT A BAD THING

Regarding Capt. Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, a Sikh, being allowed to wear his turban and keep a beard: Why do people have a problem with this? I think it’s great that the Army has granted his request. He has a will to serve and a special set of skills that can benefit the Army.

Being allowed to maintain his religious beliefs is not a high price to pay for his contribution. Hundreds of soldiers are exempt from shaving because of shaving problems. Is a religious exemption that much more unacceptable then a non-life-threatening medical exemption? Prior to the introduction of chemical warfare, full-length beards were the norm. Being clean-shaven has nothing to do with tradition or discipline. It was a measure taken by the Army (along with short haircuts) within the last hundred years to improve hygiene and provide a proper gas mask seal in early 20th century trench warfare.

If anything, AR 670-1 should be changed to maintain the “Old Army” tradition of grand Civil War-era beards in the garrison environment, and while we’re at it, let’s bring back the tricorner hat. As for the turban, it is as important to [Kalsi’s] religion as medallions and rosaries are to others. The Army allows those. The turban is no more outside the tradition of the Army then the beret or patrol cap; once again, I refer to the tricorner hat.

The outrage over the Army’s decision regarding Capt. Kalsi shows a larger lack of discipline and military bearing. Let’s get our facts straight and show Capt. Kalsi the respect he deserves. He’s an officer and a brother in arms. .

Sgt. Clay Reyer

Wiesbaden, Germany