This is in response to the article “Protesters urge against war” (Oct. 8.)

To begin, let me be clear that I fully support the right of fellow citizens to protest our government in a peaceful demonstration. The ability to express displeasure with government policy, without worry of repercussions, is a privilege few outside the United States have. As a member of the U.S. Army for the past 8 years and an officer, I take pride in upholding this privilege.

What concerns me, however, is the picture accompanying the article. Professor David Gradwohl is pictured holding a protest sign while wearing his old Army uniform. Not only is the professor unauthorized to wear his uniform, he is disgracing it by purposely wearing it incorrectly.

Army regulations state that former members, discharged honorably, may wear their uniform at military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony, as long as they are patriotic in nature. It also states, “wearing the Army uniform at any other time or for any other purpose is prohibited.” It’s clear the protest that occurred does not adhere to these regulations. The protest was not a ceremony, and certainly not patriotic in theme. Professor, you should not have been wearing your uniform, period.

Also of concern is the blatant disgrace the professor showed for his uniform. Wearing a civilian tie with the jacket unbuttoned is incorrect. The professor also looked to be in need of a military-standard haircut.

To the casual reader of this letter, this attention to detail may sound a little absurd. But there is an important reason for it. Simply put, failure to attend to detail in the military costs lives. One of the fundamental lessons taught in the Army is attention to detail, and it begins in basic training with your uniform. It is a lesson that no one ever forgets, not even Professor Gradwohl. Wearing the uniform improperly is disgraceful when it is done intentionally. It is a disgrace to those who currently serve, and an even bigger disgrace to those who have died wearing the same uniform. Professor, the least you can do is wear the uniform correctly, with honor.

Professor Gradwohl is quoted in the article as saying, “I find Bush’s actions at this time offensive in every sense of the word.” Personally, Professor, I find your actions last Monday offensive in every sense of the word.

2nd. Lt. Lee Vandewater

Senior

History