I have been, and expect I will continue to be, somewhat amused with local, armchair military analysts. In the Dec. 10 issue of the Sun Journal, Mark Tardif opined on the amount and degree of military intelligence that congressmen of both parties might have had access to. My simple question would be, how does Tardif know?

In my time of service, intelligence was classified. By definition, classified means it is not discussed except in a format that has been approved for discussion. Now, it is entirely possible that a debate can be logically maintained about what the intelligence that has been released may or may not mean.

It is possible, as well, that politicians on both sides of the aisle may use that information for political purposes. It is my experience, however, that most of us will never know how much or what intelligence congressmen received.

As to comments about the value of military service, I served. I served honorably and am now retired from that service. That service changed an undisciplined youth, who was likely headed for trouble, into someone I like to believe is a responsible man. I believe that act alone, without reference to the G.I. Bill or any other entitlement, was worth my effort.

Martin L. Adkins, USAF, Ret.,

Auburn