Officers Take a Hike, and the Military Loses

For those Americans, particularly politicians, who still do not understand the full nature of the disaster this administration has dragged us into, let them read “Officers Plot Exit Strategy” (May 22), a sobering account of what is happening to “the greatest army the world has ever seen.”

Where will the Army and Marines be without men and women to lead them? Where will our military be without the untold numbers of officers who, faced with the never-ending wars of choice of our present administration, are opting out of the military and never-ending danger and hardship?

Carl Mattioli

Newtonville, Mass.

So, many of the Army’s young officers are deciding against a military career, according to The Times, “in light of the open-ended war on terrorism.” Not so. Since World War II, the Army has not been allowed to win. During Korea, victory was denied by breaking the back of the Army’s high command with the firing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The back of the field commander was broken in Vietnam with the court-martial of Lt. William Calley [for the My Lai massacre]. Along comes Gulf War II. Now the common soldier faces “war crime” charges.

Today soldiers are facing imprisonment and possible death sentences -- not an encouraging retention factor. From top to bottom, the military has been denied the ability to win and threatened with death and imprisonment for attempting to do so.

No, these troops are not leaving because of the money. It’s the fact that the Army promises a future of perpetual deployments fighting a war that could last for decades. “What’s the end point?” the captain asks. “When do you declare victory?” That’s the point, Captain. You don’t. You never will.

Joseph A. Lea

Mission Viejo