I live in a camp with no Internet access other than the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network, no DSN phones, no post exchange and no amenities beyond running water ("McChrystal orders AAFES scaled back," article, Feb. 10).
I don’t begrudge anyone his fast food or Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities. I’m older and wouldn’t eat Burger King if you paid me, but I think giving the younger troops some semblance of home is an important morale booster.
I think it is profoundly unwise to take these things away because it’s foolishness to think that anyone is going to decide, "Well, nothing to do, so I might as well spend more hours at work."
Idle hands are a dangerous thing, and by taking away innocuous entertainments we are inadvertently inviting more sinister and illegal ones.
I am also extremely insulted by the statement from Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Hall (the top U.S. enlisted man in Afghanistan) that "This is a war zone, not an amusement park."
Really? You don’t say. I thought the mortars and small-arms fire were special effects. Thank you, Top, for setting me straight. I would not have known that otherwise (sarcasm).
Sgt. Stephanie RendinoBagram Air Base, Afghanistan