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A medal, not a court martial, for Col. West

While Lt. Col. Allen B. West may have "pushed the envelope" of Article 32 when he discharged his weapon to extract information from a prisoner of war ("Army files charge in combat tactic," Page 1, yesterday), he was communicating with the enemy in a language the enemy understands. Force speaks, while talk too often is considered a weakness to exploit.

Communication in a combat zone -- especially for protecting one's own personnel assets -- is paramount. U.S. policy-makers and U.S. forces on the ground ignore this precept at their peril.

MIKE BRASSARD

Toronto

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I am not only enraged but embarrassed that our military would even consider charging Lt. Col. Allen B. West with aggravated assault.

His concern for the safety of his troops and the nonlethal interrogation technique he used to gather information that ultimately saved American lives should be applauded, not prosecuted.