U.S. Readiness in Persian Gulf

I was shocked to read that Lt. Gen. Calvin A.H. Waller said “the United States expeditionary force in the gulf may not be ready for battle until mid-February or even later.” Such comments undercut diplomatic efforts to force Hussein to comply with the U.N. ultimatum. Also, and more important, he really hurts the United States by revealing the size of the U.S. deployment and the arrival date of some Army units, which is considered top secret.

I am surprised the President, Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin L. Powell tolerate such generals with big egos, who talk too much and in turn undermine our military effort and our country. The Defense Department must have some military leaders who are willing to follow the chain of command and be loyal to the United States.

GEORGE GOUDY

San Juan Capistrano