Don't condemn marketing military

I read the Oct. 8 column by Susan Estrich, “A Two Dollar Bill For Your Thoughts on the Military.” It is ironic that Estrich, who appears to have no understanding of the need for the military to market itself, had her critical column in the same issue which has, as its lead story, the awarding of the Medal of Honor to Army SSgt. Robert Miller.

Estrich notes her belief, based on her “experience,” that the military is a choice “affected by economic conditions and educational opportunities.”

SSgt. Miller joined the Army as a volunteer and there is no evidence, at least from the materials I have read on his life, that he was deprived either economically or educationally. Irrespective of why SSgt. Miller made the Army his career choice, the fact is that Estrich's son will have the opportunity to presumably skip enlistment and go on to college because of a volunteer military.

The military, in order to support voluntary enlistment, has been forced to market itself to the public. There was a time, of which Estrich is apparently ignorant, when there was no need to market the military all young men were required to serve, by virtue of the draft.

Organizations such as JMRS support military recruiting so that Estrich's son and daughter have the option not to serve. Rather than condemn efforts at marketing the military, Estrich should thank her lucky stars and express her gratitude that her son and daughter will not have to serve and can continue their educations. And, irrespective of whether JMRS sends cash or spends the money on advertising, its mission is clear: recruit volunteers to the military.

Estrich wonders why it is necessary to sell the military the reason is simple, voluntary service requires recruiting and recruiting requires marketing. In that sense, the military is not unlike “soaps and cereal;” it has to be sold to the public.

Roger T. Stelle

Cary