Making military force decisions

This is in response to the column entitled "Military upset with administration," which appeared in the Nov. 8 Southeast Missourian. It cited a statement by retired Gen. Patrick Brady, who won the Congressional Medal of Honor while serving in Vietnam. General Brady said that President Obama will never fight if there is any reason to avoid it, that he is intent on emasculating the armed forces, and will fire anyone who disagrees with him.

I have a huge amount of respect for Gen. Brady's military record and valor. However, as a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, I know that while military service and combat are life-changing experiences, they do not give an individual any special skill in the field of foreign policy. In fact this country's recent record in military adventures is somewhat less than stellar. We have experienced failures in both Vietnam and the second Iraq War. Additionally, the outcome in Afghanistan is still in doubt.

Under our republican form of government, it is the responsibility of the civilian leadership and not retired military officers to decide whether it is a time for peace or a time for war; whether it is a time to fight or a time to apply the principle that discretion is the better part of valor. In this regard, Truman's firing of MacArthur during the Korean War can be very instructive.

Citizens who value their freedom should expect their elected leaders and not the military professionals to decide whether military force should be used.

JOHN PIEPHO, Cape Girardeau