Boot camp comparison to torture is an insult

Comparing our boot camps to the torture of prisoners (Opinion, Dec. 14) is absurd.

When I went to boot camp, we were taught, among other things, how to defend ourselves with, among other things, pugil sticks and hand-to-hand combat. Our drill instructors didn’t knock us around; we used them to learn to fight and defend. We carried heavy packs to condition ourselves for combat, and we had drill instructors in our faces to teach us the discipline necessary to survive in combat. I’m amazed that Max Boot compared the training of our troops so they can survive Bush’s folly to the torture of prisoners. By the way, Max, where did you go to boot camp?

STEVE MARINO

Mission Viejo

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Here’s just one of the many differences between boot camp and prison -- the “grunts” volunteer for the experience, “detainees” don’t. And here’s a new definition of cruel and unusual punishment -- having to suffer through the tortured logic of a Boot column.

KARL A. KLINE

San Diego

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As a Vietnam-era veteran, I feel that Boot owes former POW and Vietnam hero Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and all former POWs, an apology. Using what appears to be limited knowledge of actual training methods and techniques by the armed forces, Boot chooses to use this as a lead-in to his position regarding torture, intelligence gathering and the McCain amendment. Boot even refers to the McCain amendment as “ a public relations move to counter a tidal wave of negative publicity.” The McCain amendment is grounded in tragic personal experience.

RUSS BOWEN

Delran, N.J.