THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Friday, November 4, 1994               TAG: 9411040007
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A20  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   24 lines

NOT NORTH'S COMMANDER IN CHIEF

Bill Clinton is Oliver North's president, but not his commander in chief. Why? Because Oliver North is retired and is now on civilian status. He is not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The term ``commander in chief'' applies only to those who are subject to the code - those on active duty (i.e., Army, Navy of the United States). See Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.

Clinton is my president, not my commander in chief, and for that same reason.

SHAFER D. CASE JR.

Lieutenant colonel, U.S. Air Force (ret).

Virginia Beach, Oct. 20, 1994 by CNB