Tradition and the military: an interview with James Webb.(includes excerpts from James Webb's novels and speech)(Interview)

American Enterprise, The, March, 1997 by Broome, David; Hutcheson, Keith; Walter, Scott

Ex-Marine and novelist James Webb believes that the warrior tradition is the foundation of the military. Webb has certain reservations on the inclusion of gays and women in the military. he believes that a democracy can function effectively only on the groundwork of a sound education system and the public's participation in times of emergency. In Webb's view, 'Once an Eagle' and 'Twelve O'Clock' are among the outstanding American war novels and films.

James Webb isn't likely to forget military tradition as he works in his Arlington office overlooking the Iwo Jima Memorial. The walls, shelves, and tables bristle with mementos of his varied life: military honors; a model of the three-soldiers statue from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (he served on its planning...