In six years of military service I’ve yet to have read a more ridiculous and outrageous article than Jonathan Mullin’s letter to the editor (“Veishea OK with promoting violence”). Mullin and his peers have no idea what the military is, what we do, what we stand for, or even what he is preaching about.

I would like to clear up a few minor issues. First, military personnel do not spit on or “rough up” protestors. Marines are people who are moral, ethical and, more importantly, American. They respect Mullin’s right to free speech. Second, flak jackets do not hold weapons that kill people. They contain kevlar fibers that protect soldiers from fragments. The equipment on the outside holds the weapons. Flak jackets usually don’t even have pockets.

Third, the training aids (“weapons”) on display are made out of rubber and house no more than three moving parts. Sounds pretty dangerous and intimidating to me. Weapons are secured behind four inches of steel vault and a security system when not in the field. Weapons are not left sitting on a table at a parade for kids to play with.

Let’s discuss the land mine issue. On display at the marines table was the M18 Claymore Mine. This mine is deployed by soldiers in a defensive position and is not indiscriminate. The mine is actually detonated by a soldier who identifies targets and decides to activate it by hitting a “clacker.” This mine is also recovered (if it’s not detonated) when the soldiers change positions. Recovering the mine is not optional; it happens every time units move.

The U.S. Arsenal does include mines that are activated by sensors, and therefore are indiscriminate. The placement of this type of mine is scrutinized, however, by intelligence and reconnaissance experts. This process reduces the risk of exposure to the civilian population. These mines also contain a timer mechanism that detonates them automatically after a set time has elapsed. This reduces the risk to soldiers and civilians that may be in the area later. But the military doesn’t leave it at that. EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) experts move into the area and make sure it is clear. Bottom line, soldiers will go in to the area and risk their lives to protect civilians from our mines (as well as enemy forces).

Instead of waving signs and complaining, I propose Mullin should join a civilian (or military) EOD team and take some action to protect people from mines. I don’t think he or any of his “patriot” friends would be willing to do it. He’ll leave that dangerous job to the military.

Brent Hayward

Senior

Engineering operations

United States Army