The definition of “uniform” is: not changing in character; remaining the same in all cases. A military uniform is one worn by our soldiers. Each branch of our armed forces has a uniform that characterizes that particular branch of the military. A recent edict proclaims that it is now acceptable for our soldiers to wear a beard or other ethnic accessories that give them comfort. Are you kidding? My understanding  of being in the military is that they are ready to do battle for their country, The United States of America. What part of “battle ready” sounds like we should differentiate the ethnicity of each individual? They represent ONE indomitable fighting force. The security and trust of being a member of the armed forces is sharing the knowledge that you are part of the same fighting force; equally trained and recognizable to one another. Insert differences and you insert mistrust which lessens their ability to face the enemy. Or is that the intended consequence?

This president has incrementally eroded the essence of our monetary, economic, moral, and now military systems. Is this affront to our military a way of garnering sympathy for Major Hasan, the Fort Hood jihadist? Sympathy and loyalty should be reserved for the brave Americans who fought and died in that attack and in ALL anti-American attacks like Benghazi.  Their families should be properly honored. This administration appears to have more empathy for terrorist factions than for its own citizens. Apparently the czars appointed by this president have been quietly changing the rules and rulebooks of American institutions. Are the changes promised in “hope and change” meant to improve the lives of Americans or transform them into a subservient populace? Are the changes meant to protect Americans or lay them at the feet of their enemies? None of us want war; but when we are faced with attacks, our response should be a united front, not a segregated facade. I am proud of our soldiers, their willingness to serve America, and the sacrifices they have made in defense of America. I am truly grateful for the freedom that their actions have afforded me and I pray for their safe return when they are deployed. Changes to the regulations that have made them so superior in the past might  diminish their resolve in the future. Americans would not want to relinquish a reputation for being a fearsome opponent in favor of being seen as an entourage of Corporal Klingers. May God bless the brave men and women who protect us.