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Article lacks context

While [“Promotion potential,” Aug. 2] was interesting, it was much less informational than it might appear at first glance. What’s good is it breaks down advancement rates on different ships within the same class. Those at the top can feel, with some justification, they should keep right on doing whatever they have been to make their sailors ready for the exams. Those at the bottom of the list can use it as a wake-up call, and hopefully spur their training departments and training petty officers to do their jobs much more effectively.

What’s bad, though, is people might infer the wrong conclusions from the data. For instance, even in ship-to-ship comparisons within a class, there are no breakdowns of advancement percentages of each rate and thus no way to tell where even higher-performing ships could improve relative to the fleet as a whole. Also, someone up for orders might think that because a certain command has, say, a 40 percent advancement rate for his rank, that it would be a good command to choose, not realizing that the ship’s population has a makeup of rates who have better-than-average advancement results in and of themselves. If they’re coming from a lower advancement opportunity rating, they could be very disappointed if they don’t make rank.

— FC1 Jason Marks, Portsmouth, Va.

Show leadership, mustang

With regards to the “Romo’s Bitch” call sign [“Call signs: Tradition or tasteless?” Aug. 9], back in the day the charge would have been assault because I did not know one limited-duty officer or chief warrant officer who would have put up with that for a second. The wardroom would have been squared away about that comment instantly and known where that LDO stood. Sexual harassment? Give me a break. He should have never let it escalate that far.

— AFCM(AW) Bill Moss (ret.), Melbourne, Fla.

A Navy gone soft

I realize I have been retired for some time, but let me see if I can get this straight:

• A commission doesn’t want NFL cheerleaders to entertain the troops on ships because it’s degrading to the sailors.

• Chiefs’ initiations and crossing the Equator ceremonies are a bare shadow of what they used to be.

• Fighter pilot call signs now need to be politically correct.

I feel a little like Rip Van Winkle and I’m waking up in a new and, in my opinion, sadder military world. What’s next, Nerf 5-inch shells and submarines that don’t submerge because that would be unfair to the enemy?

— Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Sousa (ret.), Indian Harbour Beach, Fla.

Recognize achievements

Having read the article about Rear Adm. Nora Tyson in the local paper, I was looking forward to an inspiring article in Navy Times expounding on the admiral’s accomplishment and the Navy’s foresight. Instead, there was a three-paragraph blurb with a candid snapshot of her [“1st female CSG commander,” Frontlines, Aug. 9].

The [cover] story, including a front-page picture, dealt with some sleazy guy. Navy Times should spend its talents on quality achievements not pulp stories that can be found on drugstore newsstands

— Capt. Sheldon Rosen (ret.), Temperance, Mo.

Paying for VA delay

As a recently retired Air Force member who went through the highly touted Transition Assistance Program and subsequently filed for veterans disability and compensation via the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program, I would advise others in a similar situation to make sure they have multiple copies of medical and service records.

The BDD program allows retiring or separating service members to apply for benefits six months in advance to expedite their care and any payments before transitioning to civilian status.

I completed the application and provided a full copy of my medical records in February, and I have not heard a word from the Veterans Affairs Department. I called the 800 number, made appointments with my regional VA office and sat down with VA counselors who did not know what the BDD program was. My congressman made an inquiry about my claim status, and the VA response was, “We are currently gathering information to accurately respond to your inquiry; however, it’s taking more time than originally expected. A final response is forthcoming.” In other words, they don’t know.

I hope those who are retiring after 20-plus years in the Air Force or have chosen to separate have better luck. Keep all your records updated and on hand in case they get lost in the process or you’re asked to provide them again.

I have been forced to pay out of pocket for co-pays and premiums for major medical problems while waiting for a claim I filed six months ago to be processed.

— Air Force Master Sgt. Keith Massey (ret.), Los Angeles

Remember who you lead

I read the stories of both the command sergeant major who was upset he could not eat in the wardroom [“Marine blasts Navy dining traditions,” April 26] and Command Master Chief Evelyn Banks’ outrageous living style [“CMC paid as E-9, lived as an O-6,” July 12]. I think that they both have forgotten what their role is. It is to represent the enlisted ranks as the senior enlisted adviser and report to their commanding officer, not play assistant commander.

I think they are more interested in other things rather than their responsibilities to the men and women they represent. I was a command master chief for more than three years and never ate with the officers in the wardroom. I did eat with the crew often to see how things were and to find out their concerns.

— STCM William Shirley (ret.), Columbus, Ga.

DoD broke contract

I cannot believe the Defense Department once again is trying to renege on the promise to spouses enrolled in the MyCAA program [“MyCAA resumes applications in fall, but sets limits,” Aug. 2].

My wife is enrolled in a two-year registered nurse program with support from MyCAA. But because I am a chief warrant officer 4, she will lose her MyCAA benefits after the fall semester.

Am I wrong? Or did DoD enter into a contract with my wife when she was accepted into the program?

DoD should not be allowed to break that contract.

— Army CWO4 Paul M. Steele, Fort Rucker, Ala.