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Sniper fires back

The intent of this letter is to clarify and amplify remarks made in the Oct. 26 article “Straight shooters.”

The procurement, and ultimate acquisition, of a rifle that will fulfill the capabilities requirements of the SR-21 project has been detailed in both the SR-21 Capabilities Document and the Scout Sniper Initial Capabilities Document and identified as a material solution. Marine scout snipers do meet training requirements as set forth in the Training and Readiness Manual. If the manual has deficiencies, Ground Training Branch must address these deficiencies and correct them.

Furthermore, any inability to effectively engage targets past 800 meters has everything to do with external ballistics — not training. The 7.62mm NATO round has undesirable characteristics at these ranges under nominal wind conditions. A change in caliber will help to minimize the effects of wind.

Additionally, a lack of “realistic targets” is not the problem when it comes to properly training Marine scout snipers to reduce targets. Failing to reduce a target is predominantly the result of the inability of the scout sniper to quickly and accurately determine the correct range to target. This is because they lack a dedicated laser range finder. The Marine Corps has identified and acknowledged this deficiency and is working to address it.

My real heartache with the article lies with the reporting. With the careless tapping of a keyboard, Marine Corps Times discredits a community of Marines who have sweat, bled, and died to bring their particular set of skills to bear on an enemy in the name of mission accomplishment for their country and Corps. The article’s slant, lack of research and attempt to sensationalize undermines the newspaper’s credibility. Reckless authorship has widespread effects. Commanders and supported units alike may question the effectiveness and capability of their scout snipers due to the perceived credibility of an article that deserves none.

Staff Sgt. Edmund Henderson

Chief Instructor, Scout Sniper Instructor School, Quantico, Va.

A CRISP SALUTE

The Nov. 9 issue of Marine Corps Times [Frontlines] has a photo of President Barack Obama saluting the casket of a fallen service member. His is the crispest, sharpest, most military salute I have seen since I was on active duty. Not to be too critical, but compare it to the salute being rendered by the soldier standing beside him.

Col. Edwin K. Hoiles (ret.)

Marlton, N.J.

FORT HOOD: HONOR, TRAGEDY

It is such a sad incident that an Army major would allegedly gun down his own comrades — unarmed soldiers.

We will have to see how the military and our president determine if these fine soldiers killed at Fort Hood, Texas, were killed by a deranged person or by a terrorist.

If killed by a terrorist while on active duty, they should be awarded the Purple Heart.

Army Capt. Phil Hoza (ret.)

Winnetka, Ill.

I think in the wake of this horrible tragedy at Fort Hood, the Army needs to rethink how soldiers are evaluated to be eligible for duty. If the reports are true, the suspect had made comments that Muslims should rise up. If this was directed toward the Army, I see that as treason.

Spc. Christopher E. Barthlow

Martinsburg, W.Va.

KEEP THE MAIL COMING

In reference to the exclusion of military retirees from further use of Diplomatic Post Offices, formerly known as Army Post Offices or APOs, located for decades at embassies worldwide [“Some overseas retirees may lose mail-order pharmacy access,” Washington, Nov. 2.]: So America had an empire and sent its legionnaires and its centurions forth to defend the frontiers, and some few settled there after the battle.

In this time of tight budgets, even if the numbers are insignificant, they do not merit further support.

What is often their one remaining contact with America — the country they defended — and source of their subscription to Military Times publications, their meager investments, their insurance with USAA, etc., not to mention their prescription drug deliveries — is hereby terminated.

Just do us one favor, Washington. When you tell us of the imminent end of this minimal but oh-so-important service to us few, do not close your form letter with the stock phrase that you are there to “provide the best service possible to the troops.”

Shame on the individual services, the Defense Department and Congress. They give new meaning to the expression “no troop left behind.”

Army Col. James E. Callahan (ret.)

Evreux, France

ASSIST RESERVISTS

I applaud Congress on the program to provide financial assistance to active-duty homeowners who need to sell their homes because of permanent change-of-station orders and have lost value in their homes because of the current economic situation [“Government starts sending out HAP checks,” Nov. 2].

I would ask Congress also to assist reservists who are forced to relocate to accept new jobs because they lost their previous one due to mobilizations and deployment.

I am not asking for financial assistance, but support to change the policies of lenders that refuse to work with reservists who have had to relocate to accept new jobs, until reservists are delinquent in their loans and subject to foreclosure.

Those of us who have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan and need to execute a short sale should not have to wait until we are delinquent to receive consideration.

Army Col. Larry A. Wexler (ret.)

Suffolk, Va.