Defending the Air Force

Re “Air Force ads’ intent questioned,” March 30

I read with concern the recent statement by a Defense official criticizing the U.S. Air Force for the recruiting campaign “Above All.” This official alleged that the Air Force recruiting phrase resembles an unrelated phrase from the past, saying it “evoked the phrase ‘uber alles’ from the national anthem used by Nazi Germany.” This argument is offensive and raises the question of why this official is spending energy researching catchphrases while we are in the midst of two wars.

We increasingly depend on joint integration and partnership to achieve our military objectives. This official’s attitude runs counter to this joint-force concept, and goes well beyond the friendly rivalry and competitiveness that is a tradition among the services.

Michael M. Dunn

President, Chief Executive

Air Force Assn.

Arlington, Va.

The writer is a retired Air Force lieutenant general.