Boot Camp

Re “Boot Camp Softens Its Image,” Oct. 26: If the Army’s training goal now is to honor “the dignity and respect of the individual,” rather than teach how to kill, the country may be in big trouble. In a shooting war, that empathy may transfer toward the enemy and our soldiers may not be able to pull the trigger or push the missile button.

DONALD HIRT

Paso Robles

Suggestions for basic training:

Training videos from “Seinfeld” episodes, clothing from the Gap, all command personnel regardless of rank to be called “guys.” Then the next time goose-stepping jackboots come marching out of a rising sun, everyone can go over to the California Pizza Kitchen and talk things over in a non-harassing and nondiscriminatory environment.

NOEL ANENBERG

Encino