Vacation From Combat

U.S. troops suffered nine deaths and 40 injuries in Operation Matador (“Marines Wrap Up Assault in West Iraq,” May 15). But the “Iraqi platoon that has been training at the Al Asad Marine base was on vacation during the week of the Marine assault and did not participate.” Incredible! In most jobs, staff vacations are scheduled at the pleasure of the company. In crunch times, your leave might be revoked in order to get the job done. Unless your participation might jeopardize the success of the project. Oh, I get it now.

Russell Johnson

Marina del Rey