LIBYA: Secretary admits shortcoming

The announcement by the Secretary of Defense that military help for the survivors of the terrorist attack at the embassy in Benghazi, Libya, could not be made since he could not put military personnel at risk in a dangerous area where little information was available. In spite of the fact that, according to news reports, the Defense Department was privy to a live, ongoing report of events at the Embassy.

For my entire 25 years of active military service I have been aware of the fact that the military has prided itself for never leaving a military or an ex-military man without assistance in the face of enemy, regardless of the risk involved to rescue personnel. History is replete with examples where individual personnel have been rescued from behind enemy lines or at fortified facilities within enemy territory.

I would therefore suggest that the Secretary needs a briefing on the duty and responsibilities, as well as the purpose for the military under his command.

AL OLIVER

Coeur d’Alene