E19
1 November 2000, 18:26
29 October 2000
General Eric Shinseki
Chief of Staff, United States Army
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20310-0200
Dear General Shinseki:
Since announcement of the beret decision on black Tuesday, 17 October 2000,
our message traffic (unanimously opposed to the change) has increased
ten-fold. A compendium of comments from SF soldiers and family members,
Rangers, Air Force Air Commandos, Airborne soldiers and Navy Seals is at the
inclosure. These comments fall in the categories of morale and history.
The Special Forces Association (over 7,000 members strong – retired and
active) was the first to release a statement to the Washington Times
opposing this surprisingly hasty decision. Our official position can be
found on the Association’s Web site at www.sfahq.org/index.htm. (http://www.sfahq.org/index.htm.)
While our position is guardedly stoical, we have not remained indifferent to
the plight of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and all others of our heritage,
who earned the Black Beret. We will remain steadfastly supportive of the
Rangers, and Airborne units wearing the Maroon Beret.
The Army-wide beret decision may appear to be icily logical to some,
however, we view the decision as disrespectful to our brothers in battle the
Rangers and to Special Forces soldiers..
The Green Beret, sanctified by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, is treated
as sacred in our ranks. It is given as a reward for excellence in training
and accomplishment in battle. The beret is coveted by many and worn proudly
by only a few.
On behalf of the Special Forces soldier and his heritage, (which includes
the Rangers), we respectfully request that you belay this decision.
Respectfully submitted with the highest personal regards,
Wayne Lawley
President, Special Forces Association
The following attachments were included with the letter:
Morale
You cannot give a soldier self-esteem and pride, he must want it and earn it
by setting high goals and accomplishing those goals with hard work and
dedication.
The beret does not make the soldier. The special forces, rangers, and
airborne troopers make the beret a symbol of excellence.
Non-airborne soldiers have communicated with us saying they would not want to
wear a beret they have not earned and would be very uncomfortable wearing it.
Recruiting for the army would rise, mostly with wannabees that the army would
soon regret. Recruitment for Special Operations would die on the vine. Why
work so hard for a different color beret when you already have one. 50% of
those who try the Rangers or Special Forces never make it through
qualification training. Is that the ones the COS wants to give a beret to?
Many of our replies were from active duty green and black berets. Their pride
is being taken from them. The blood, sweat, tears and lives have meant
nothing to the higher brass in Washington.
Many widows, wives, sons, and daughters say the army has no respect for the
dedicated wearers of the beret and their husbands and fathers have been let
down by this decision.
The army should concentrate on the real problems of bad morale, leadership,
micro-management, zero tolerance, low pay, inferior housing, extended
deployments, undersized army, under budgeted funds that hinder proper
realistic training. The uniform is not one of the problems.
Several years ago, command sergeant major of the army McKinney addressed this
idea of berets for all the army at a CSM meeting at USASOC. CSM's from
Special Forces, Rangers, CA, PSYOPS, and Delta attended. Needless to say the
CSM's were totally against this idea and presented McKinney with valid
reasons why it would not work and that it should not have been considered.
The Chief of staff stated "the army is people-soldiers and civilians-active
and reserve-retirees, veterans, and families". General, if those are not
just "politically correct" words then please listen to us: The beret for all
soldiers in the U. S. Army will not do the job of recruitment and morale in
the army. Please for the U. S. Army's continued success in battle,
reconsider your decision.
History
True military leadership must include the recognition of the extraordinary
impact on the symbolism of the beret that carries with them an intangible and
even somewhat mystic power that translates into pride, extraordinary
performance of duty and willingness to face personal pain, hardships, and
even death on a foreign battlefield and behind enemy lines. That beret must
be earned to be accepted as a symbol of excellence.
The Black, Green , and Maroon berets of the U. S. Army occupy unique places
in the hearts of those who wear them and in the eyes of the rest of the U. S.
Army and civilians. Their status is of extreme importance to the morale of
these special units and should be safeguarded and preserved for future
generations.
Other organizations of our historical heritage have earned the right to
distinctive headgear such as: The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), The
First Special Service Force (Devils Brigade), Darby's Rangers, Merrill's
Marauders, and the Ranger companies serving with valor during the Korean War.
This heritage dates back to the Revolutionary War.
History and tradition tell us that only elite units have been awarded the
beret and only those warriors that have values, ideals, patriotism, and
physical and mental courage, earn the right to wear them.
Sister of Active Duty Ranger (KIA)
I am writing to ask for your support. Very recently, the Chief of Staff of
the U. S. Army made the announcement that the coveted black beret worn by
Army Rangers, would become a part of every soldier's uniform. Please help me
do what is necessary to prevent this from happening.
My name is Dawn Markwell, and I currently reside in Jacksonville, Florida.
December 20, 1969, I was home alone (then age 15) in Cincinnati, Ohio when
two officers came to the door. I sat at the bottom of a flight of stairs for
over an hour watching these men looking uneasily at each other while waiting
for my parents to come home. I knew what they had come for, but I was a
child, and I would not believe it until it was spoken. My brother, PFC James
William Markwell, Army Ranger medic, had been killed in Operation: Just
Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama.
My brother had been very proud to be a Ranger. He had the opportunity to go
to West Point and become an officer, but instead chose to be a part of the
Rangers. When discussing this decision with my step-father, William Rouse,
Jimmy said to him, "Where would I be needed more than as a medic for the
Rangers? No, I want to be with the best." He worked hard and earned his
beret only months before he was sent in battle. He saved lives, at least two
of which were saved during training operations to prepare the men for their
mission. He lived and died for his country.
In January 1990, former President Bush used my brother's "death letter" (a
letter Rangers write home just before being sent into battle, in the event
that they do not return) in his State of the Union address. Jimmy made it
clear that he chose to fight and die for his country so that we, you and I,
could live our lives freely. Just before his burial, the Ranger that
accompanied my brother's body home presented me with two things: Jimmy's
remaining dog tag and his black beret.
Every man and woman that fights for our country should be honored in some
way. But only those who have earned it should be given the honor of wearing
the black beret of the Rangers. Imagine telling the Green Berets that a part
of their uniform was no longer sacred, but instead would be worn by every
soldier. It would be unthinkable. Why then should the Rangers be dishonored
in such a manner? They should not. Our Rangers are the first in. They are
the best. Please do not sit idly by and let this happen.
I am a voting citizen. This issue may not seem of high importance to you,
however, to Rangers past and present, and to their families, this is an
outrage. Please consider the hardships that my family has endured and do
what is necessary to stop what we all consider to be another. I implore you
to do what you can to help us win this fight. Honor is earned, not given.
Active Duty Ranger
I "won" my beret in 1979 as Private First Class in the 2/75th infantry
(Ranger) Battalion. My two biggest fears were displeasing my platoon
sergeant who was a god to me and being sent down the street to "leg land"
with the 9th Infantry Division "Cookie Patch." With few exceptions, these
soldiers were fat, unmotivated and unable to conceive of ever firing a shot
in anger or laying it on the line at the behest of Uncle Sam. These were the
greatest motivators known to man, for this was what was in store for us
should we fail to make the grade.
Following the Ranger Introductory Program (RIP) we were removed from our
"pickle suits" and placed in cammies. Finally, we removed the ill-fitting
baseball caps and placed our black berets on our clean shaven heads. As a
PFC, I could run faster and longer and I could shoot better. Hell, as a PFC
I could write a complete operations order. My greatest aspiration was to
draw a "you'll do" from my god-like platoon sergeant, a man I revere to this
day. As an outsider, you would see me stand taller (with my weight evenly
distributed on each leg), back straight and face alert. In short, I was
everything my counterparts were not or didn't care to ever be. That black
beret was hard-earned that 21 days; I justified my right to wear it on a
daily basis, as it should be.
In the fall of 1984, I removed my BDU cap and placed my new Green Beret
on my head. Weeks before I shaved it, soaked it in hot water and shaped it
to just the right drape. As hard as Ranger school was physically and
mentally, the SFQC was the most academically challenging training I ever
received. I was required to wait until I was a "buck sergeant" and on my
second enlistment before my request to become an SF trooper was even
processed. I was in the "Q" course for almost a year before I was awarded
this distinctive beret, by God I earned the right to wear it. I volunteered
four times to achieve that day: once for the United States Army, once to
become a paratrooper, once to join my Ranger Battalion, and finally a fourth
time in order to be afforded the opportunity to spend a year trying to become
a Special Forces soldier.
It is now my understanding that an 18 year old two-year enlistee
attempting to become a food service specialist can earn a black beret upon
exiting 8 weeks of basic training. He'll never need to exit an aircraft with
30 pounds strapped to his back, 100 pounds sitting on his knees and an
overwhelming need to prove he's the best to his platoon sergeant and himself.
He'll never have to sleep on the ground, ruck through the bush or shiver
from the cold from which he will not be able to escape for weeks at a time.
It takes a real commitment to lay in ambush, soaking in your now freezing
sweat and trying not to give your position away because of your increasing
shivering. It's an accomplishment few will ever know.
With the sweep of a pen, this commitment has be waved. You're no longer
required to leap out into space as paratroopers have done for over 60 years.
You do not have to confirm your prowess at being able to shoot, move,
communicate or conduct yourself tactically in the field. To "earn" this
black beret you need only show up. Re-think the damage you are doing, I'm
sure you could have worn a beret yourself…the old fashioned way…..you could
have earned it.
General Eric Shinseki
Chief of Staff, United States Army
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20310-0200
Dear General Shinseki:
Since announcement of the beret decision on black Tuesday, 17 October 2000,
our message traffic (unanimously opposed to the change) has increased
ten-fold. A compendium of comments from SF soldiers and family members,
Rangers, Air Force Air Commandos, Airborne soldiers and Navy Seals is at the
inclosure. These comments fall in the categories of morale and history.
The Special Forces Association (over 7,000 members strong – retired and
active) was the first to release a statement to the Washington Times
opposing this surprisingly hasty decision. Our official position can be
found on the Association’s Web site at www.sfahq.org/index.htm. (http://www.sfahq.org/index.htm.)
While our position is guardedly stoical, we have not remained indifferent to
the plight of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and all others of our heritage,
who earned the Black Beret. We will remain steadfastly supportive of the
Rangers, and Airborne units wearing the Maroon Beret.
The Army-wide beret decision may appear to be icily logical to some,
however, we view the decision as disrespectful to our brothers in battle the
Rangers and to Special Forces soldiers..
The Green Beret, sanctified by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, is treated
as sacred in our ranks. It is given as a reward for excellence in training
and accomplishment in battle. The beret is coveted by many and worn proudly
by only a few.
On behalf of the Special Forces soldier and his heritage, (which includes
the Rangers), we respectfully request that you belay this decision.
Respectfully submitted with the highest personal regards,
Wayne Lawley
President, Special Forces Association
The following attachments were included with the letter:
Morale
You cannot give a soldier self-esteem and pride, he must want it and earn it
by setting high goals and accomplishing those goals with hard work and
dedication.
The beret does not make the soldier. The special forces, rangers, and
airborne troopers make the beret a symbol of excellence.
Non-airborne soldiers have communicated with us saying they would not want to
wear a beret they have not earned and would be very uncomfortable wearing it.
Recruiting for the army would rise, mostly with wannabees that the army would
soon regret. Recruitment for Special Operations would die on the vine. Why
work so hard for a different color beret when you already have one. 50% of
those who try the Rangers or Special Forces never make it through
qualification training. Is that the ones the COS wants to give a beret to?
Many of our replies were from active duty green and black berets. Their pride
is being taken from them. The blood, sweat, tears and lives have meant
nothing to the higher brass in Washington.
Many widows, wives, sons, and daughters say the army has no respect for the
dedicated wearers of the beret and their husbands and fathers have been let
down by this decision.
The army should concentrate on the real problems of bad morale, leadership,
micro-management, zero tolerance, low pay, inferior housing, extended
deployments, undersized army, under budgeted funds that hinder proper
realistic training. The uniform is not one of the problems.
Several years ago, command sergeant major of the army McKinney addressed this
idea of berets for all the army at a CSM meeting at USASOC. CSM's from
Special Forces, Rangers, CA, PSYOPS, and Delta attended. Needless to say the
CSM's were totally against this idea and presented McKinney with valid
reasons why it would not work and that it should not have been considered.
The Chief of staff stated "the army is people-soldiers and civilians-active
and reserve-retirees, veterans, and families". General, if those are not
just "politically correct" words then please listen to us: The beret for all
soldiers in the U. S. Army will not do the job of recruitment and morale in
the army. Please for the U. S. Army's continued success in battle,
reconsider your decision.
History
True military leadership must include the recognition of the extraordinary
impact on the symbolism of the beret that carries with them an intangible and
even somewhat mystic power that translates into pride, extraordinary
performance of duty and willingness to face personal pain, hardships, and
even death on a foreign battlefield and behind enemy lines. That beret must
be earned to be accepted as a symbol of excellence.
The Black, Green , and Maroon berets of the U. S. Army occupy unique places
in the hearts of those who wear them and in the eyes of the rest of the U. S.
Army and civilians. Their status is of extreme importance to the morale of
these special units and should be safeguarded and preserved for future
generations.
Other organizations of our historical heritage have earned the right to
distinctive headgear such as: The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), The
First Special Service Force (Devils Brigade), Darby's Rangers, Merrill's
Marauders, and the Ranger companies serving with valor during the Korean War.
This heritage dates back to the Revolutionary War.
History and tradition tell us that only elite units have been awarded the
beret and only those warriors that have values, ideals, patriotism, and
physical and mental courage, earn the right to wear them.
Sister of Active Duty Ranger (KIA)
I am writing to ask for your support. Very recently, the Chief of Staff of
the U. S. Army made the announcement that the coveted black beret worn by
Army Rangers, would become a part of every soldier's uniform. Please help me
do what is necessary to prevent this from happening.
My name is Dawn Markwell, and I currently reside in Jacksonville, Florida.
December 20, 1969, I was home alone (then age 15) in Cincinnati, Ohio when
two officers came to the door. I sat at the bottom of a flight of stairs for
over an hour watching these men looking uneasily at each other while waiting
for my parents to come home. I knew what they had come for, but I was a
child, and I would not believe it until it was spoken. My brother, PFC James
William Markwell, Army Ranger medic, had been killed in Operation: Just
Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama.
My brother had been very proud to be a Ranger. He had the opportunity to go
to West Point and become an officer, but instead chose to be a part of the
Rangers. When discussing this decision with my step-father, William Rouse,
Jimmy said to him, "Where would I be needed more than as a medic for the
Rangers? No, I want to be with the best." He worked hard and earned his
beret only months before he was sent in battle. He saved lives, at least two
of which were saved during training operations to prepare the men for their
mission. He lived and died for his country.
In January 1990, former President Bush used my brother's "death letter" (a
letter Rangers write home just before being sent into battle, in the event
that they do not return) in his State of the Union address. Jimmy made it
clear that he chose to fight and die for his country so that we, you and I,
could live our lives freely. Just before his burial, the Ranger that
accompanied my brother's body home presented me with two things: Jimmy's
remaining dog tag and his black beret.
Every man and woman that fights for our country should be honored in some
way. But only those who have earned it should be given the honor of wearing
the black beret of the Rangers. Imagine telling the Green Berets that a part
of their uniform was no longer sacred, but instead would be worn by every
soldier. It would be unthinkable. Why then should the Rangers be dishonored
in such a manner? They should not. Our Rangers are the first in. They are
the best. Please do not sit idly by and let this happen.
I am a voting citizen. This issue may not seem of high importance to you,
however, to Rangers past and present, and to their families, this is an
outrage. Please consider the hardships that my family has endured and do
what is necessary to stop what we all consider to be another. I implore you
to do what you can to help us win this fight. Honor is earned, not given.
Active Duty Ranger
I "won" my beret in 1979 as Private First Class in the 2/75th infantry
(Ranger) Battalion. My two biggest fears were displeasing my platoon
sergeant who was a god to me and being sent down the street to "leg land"
with the 9th Infantry Division "Cookie Patch." With few exceptions, these
soldiers were fat, unmotivated and unable to conceive of ever firing a shot
in anger or laying it on the line at the behest of Uncle Sam. These were the
greatest motivators known to man, for this was what was in store for us
should we fail to make the grade.
Following the Ranger Introductory Program (RIP) we were removed from our
"pickle suits" and placed in cammies. Finally, we removed the ill-fitting
baseball caps and placed our black berets on our clean shaven heads. As a
PFC, I could run faster and longer and I could shoot better. Hell, as a PFC
I could write a complete operations order. My greatest aspiration was to
draw a "you'll do" from my god-like platoon sergeant, a man I revere to this
day. As an outsider, you would see me stand taller (with my weight evenly
distributed on each leg), back straight and face alert. In short, I was
everything my counterparts were not or didn't care to ever be. That black
beret was hard-earned that 21 days; I justified my right to wear it on a
daily basis, as it should be.
In the fall of 1984, I removed my BDU cap and placed my new Green Beret
on my head. Weeks before I shaved it, soaked it in hot water and shaped it
to just the right drape. As hard as Ranger school was physically and
mentally, the SFQC was the most academically challenging training I ever
received. I was required to wait until I was a "buck sergeant" and on my
second enlistment before my request to become an SF trooper was even
processed. I was in the "Q" course for almost a year before I was awarded
this distinctive beret, by God I earned the right to wear it. I volunteered
four times to achieve that day: once for the United States Army, once to
become a paratrooper, once to join my Ranger Battalion, and finally a fourth
time in order to be afforded the opportunity to spend a year trying to become
a Special Forces soldier.
It is now my understanding that an 18 year old two-year enlistee
attempting to become a food service specialist can earn a black beret upon
exiting 8 weeks of basic training. He'll never need to exit an aircraft with
30 pounds strapped to his back, 100 pounds sitting on his knees and an
overwhelming need to prove he's the best to his platoon sergeant and himself.
He'll never have to sleep on the ground, ruck through the bush or shiver
from the cold from which he will not be able to escape for weeks at a time.
It takes a real commitment to lay in ambush, soaking in your now freezing
sweat and trying not to give your position away because of your increasing
shivering. It's an accomplishment few will ever know.
With the sweep of a pen, this commitment has be waved. You're no longer
required to leap out into space as paratroopers have done for over 60 years.
You do not have to confirm your prowess at being able to shoot, move,
communicate or conduct yourself tactically in the field. To "earn" this
black beret you need only show up. Re-think the damage you are doing, I'm
sure you could have worn a beret yourself…the old fashioned way…..you could
have earned it.