I have observed a degradation in professional decorum and intellectual standing over the past 26 years of my military career. This lack of ability or actual choice of direction in verbal expression spans all pay grades and includes both sexes and has enveloped not only the military, but also the private sector and particularly the film industry.

The use of the "F" word to describe everything from putting catsup on a hamburger to casual adjectival use to describe daily life is appalling and profane.

I realize it is used in the field in highly emotional, under-fire occasions and am willing to accept that, but to hear it flippantly and frequently used on rest-and-recuperation flights, in flight terminals, in the dining facility, etc., demonstrates a lack of intellectual standing. "Everyone else is doing it" is no excuse.

Its use is a form of sexual harassment, which we all know is not an approved behavior in the military. You can vehemently and explicitly express yourself by not choosing gutter talk.

Demonstrate a higher plane of thought, expression and use of the English language and be an example to your fellow soldiers, airmen and Marines.

Lt. Col. Carney JacksonBagram Air Field, Afghanistan

Migrated