Army’s shortsightedness

The Army made up for recruiting shortfalls by welcoming 630 recruits last year with histories of what the Army termed “serious criminal misconduct” -- including manslaughter and making terrorist threats (Feb. 14). Meanwhile, more than 10,000 personnel have been discharged since 1994 under the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy barring openly gay and lesbian service members. Interestingly, a University of California commission’s report on the same day as your article estimates that the Pentagon policy of booting sexual minorities has cost taxpayers $363.8 million over 10 years. So much for military intelligence and readiness.

RON GALPERIN

Beverly Hills