THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 14, 1994 TAG: 9412130011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Columnist Cal Thomas (Perspectives, Dec. 3) questions defense cutbacks and the state of the military, citing complaints from two unidentified National Guard sergeants.
One holds that the president, along with some top officers, is responsible for the poor morale and support of his unit and for the failure of the brigade in an operational test. Another predicts that the active armed forces will fail, then the National Guard and the rest of the nation.
Mr. Thomas calls for an investigation of America's military, yet it's difficult to imagine how a supply-and-support system that apparently works for the rest of the armed forces somehow doesn't work for this brigade. This appears to be an embarrassing indictment of brigade officers.
Mr. Thomas says that the best equipment, training and support should be provided to the armed forces. Otherwise, the lives of our sons and daughters will be in jeopardy. Any armed force, however well-equipped, will fail if poorly led by those who think they're going to fail.
Nobody need be alarmed, though. Cutbacks may be necessary, but they separate the men from the boys. The late Adm. Frederick Palmer said there are Navy officers who, when confronted with a difficult task, will take the chance and win.
Real winners successfully exploit slim chances. I am thankful that there are plenty of winners in all the armed forces.
MANNY ROJO
Virginia Beach, Dec. 3, 1994 by CNB