Really? The Department of Defense is looking to cut back spending on troops ("DOD looks to curb spending on troops," article, May 9)? Last I checked, the troops were not the ones who asked to go to war but willingly went because that’s what we signed on to do.

They say the military’s wages have risen 42 percent [since 2002] compared with a 32 percent rise for the private sector. So what! Every contractor I talked to has no problem saying he makes anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000 for his one- to two-year stay in a combat zone.

A 1.4 percent increase? I consider that a slap in the face, especially for those who have had multiple deployments away from their family members. I was glad to see that Congress considers our pay and benefits sacrosanct, because that is the least it can do for us.

Quit bailing out the companies who are doing the wrong thing and use some of that money to pay military members and buy weapons and equipment.

Sgt. 1st Class Jamy AngelCamp Buehring, Kuwait