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Letters

RESPECT THE COLORS

Honoring our fallen troops through funeral honor details is the most sacred and solemn ceremonial service the military provides. Whether a dignified transfer, a memorial service or cemetery honors, we consistently provide a professional and razor-sharp ceremony.

That is why I was so appalled by the Navy honor detail that transferred Navy pilot Scott Speicher’s remains from an aircraft to a waiting hearse at Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Fla., on Aug. 13. While watching CNN’s live coverage of the event, I saw the Navy allow Speicher’s family to put flowers on the national colors that draped his casket. Never should anything be placed on the national colors, but especially not when they are draping a service member’s casket.

I am not brow-beating Speicher’s family for honoring him with flowers. I am saying the Navy personnel responsible for the conduct of this ceremony should read the Navy flag manual. Better yet, read the Corps’ manual.

There was a lack of attention to detail on the part of Navy leadership even though the world was watching as this fallen warrior was carried home.

Gunnery Sgt. William J. Dixon

Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.

FREE ELECTION ACHIEVED

On Aug. 20, the people of Afghanistan held their second presidential election since coalition forces liberated this country from the Taliban. Afghanistan’s election day was marred by widespread and deadly Taliban attacks, patchy turnout and claims of serious fraud by some of the candidates. But many voters bravely defied the militants’ threats and exercised their franchise across “the Republic.”

I use the term republic, because that is what the nation of Afghanistan has become — a representative democracy with all the trappings of success and failure that comes with a democratic process.

Our Afghan and coalition soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen were on the front lines helping ensure the elections were held and protecting the citizens from the evil machinations of the Taliban and Haqqani thugs. These terrorists see free elections, women exercising their right to vote, and a free press as a threat to their outdated and sad devotion to a misguided form of misogynistic politics. Our freedom fighters stood their ground against these evil miscreants and ensured a free election.

While many in our nation believe the war cannot be won, it is important to remember we still owe a debt to the nearly 3,000 men and women who died Sept. 11 — a debt that cannot be paid with a check to your local charity. To give ground in Afghanistan is both an insult to the dead who have sacrificed in this war and emboldens the enemies of humanity to do their worst. We must accept that nothing less than total victory must be achieved to ensure the future of generations to come.

Army Lt. Col. Jayson A. Altieri

Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

Call FOR MARINE CAMO

I believe the Army must replace the Army Combat Uniform with something similar to Marine Pattern camouflage. The concept of MultiCam is a nice one, but I just can’t see how one uniform could work effectively in all environments, including the desert landscape of Iraq. MarPat is the way we need to go. Having two uniforms and two different colors of equipment might cost a lot, but right now we need to worry more about our brothers and sisters surviving tours and coming home safely. The Army shouldn’t put a price on a person’s life.

Army Pfc. Dustin Farrell

Columbus, Ohio

I have been following Military Times’ articles on the Army Combat Uniform for months. Having a husband in the Army, I hear about how the uniform isn’t effective in all terrain. I also have family in the Corps, and we know that the Marine uniform works because it’s been in use since 2002. I don’t understand why Congress and senior decision makers have failed to see this. I know the ACU’s failure is going to cost a lot of money, but we need a new uniform.

I understand, too, that each branch of the armed services likes to show their individuality and that the easiest way to do that is through their uniform. That said, we still can adopt MarPat and maintain our identity. The Army could wear a different cover, for example. We wouldn’t have to wear our sleeves up, and our pockets could be different.

I think seven years of Marines wearing one uniform design is proof that their pattern works in all terrain. When it comes to protecting our soldiers, it shouldn’t matter which branch wears what, who makes the cammies, or what it costs.

Kristine Breshears

Fort Stewart, Ga.