Washington Times
September 28, 2006
Pg. 18


In Defense Of JAG

The Sept. 15 item "JAG proliferation" (Inside the Ring) begins with an incorrect premise and then accuses Defense Department attorneys of putting self-interest above national security. The judge advocates general of the Army, Navy and Air Force and the staff judge advocate to the commandant of the Marine Corps are honorable, professional, intelligent and patriotic men. They are the senior uniformed legal advisers for their respective services and together with their civilian colleagues must wrestle with some of the most profound and difficult issues in our history during a time of war. I am astonished that their integrity would be impugned in such a manner.


BRYAN G. WHITMAN, Deputy assistant secretary, Public affairs, Office of the assistant secretary, Defense Department, Washington D.C.