Letters to the editor

Combat Edge, Dec, 2004

From e-mail:

  "The first page of Combat Edge includes the statement, 'The editors
reserve the right to edit all manuscripts for readability and good
taste' ... take a look at the back page (cover) of the October issue
... is this photograph considered in 'good taste'? I'm all for a good
laugh and include humor in most presentations, but as the flagship
publication of Air Combat Command, this photograph crosses the line of
good taste."
--A-NON-E-MOUSE

Our Response:

I'm sorry that you feel the photograph crossed the line of good taste, but I don't agree. so we'll have to agree to disagree.

As for SSgt Stacy L. Pearsall's photo, it was photo number 6 of 10 that she submitted to the 2003 Military Photographer of the Year awards program (MILPHOG) "which recognizes, rewards, and promotes excellence among military photographers, videographers, journalists and graphic

SSgt Pearsall won first place with her photo portfolioand the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs prominently posted it on their website at http://events.dinfos.osd.mil/viap/milphog/2004

The intent of the photo is to catch your attention. When you take it in context, they actually work together on three or more levels.

I view this as an opportunity to explain the thought process behind the action and provide additional information to a reader in a constructive manner--I'm just asking that you return the favor in future correspondence. Frankly, I enjoyed your letter: it's nice to know that people are picking up the magazine. Although I like it more when people respond with a tale of their own because it is a stringer magazine that is dependent upon reader involvement.

On a separate note, did you read any of the other stories? Did you like the full page pull out poster reflecting Spatial Disorientation, which was one of the big issues when I went through the Physiological training block, and which continues to take lives and aircraft today. Considering that you live and recreate in California, one of the places that is a big risk for wildfires, did you find any of that information useful? Was there anything in the magazine, or any of the other editions of the magazine that you have found interesting? "If you're not happy with the Magazine for one reason please tell us. We'd love to publish your article.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

I'm also a realist--I know that most people read the magazine in the bathroom during their work hours. Frankly I'm glad they do. I wish more did. In fact, when I was interviewing for this job I commented that I felt The Combat Edge was and has always been the best read safety magazine in the bathroom. It's the truth There's no reason to run from it.

--Editor

P.S., For brevity the message is that the person is deployed, most likely in Southwest Asia (SWA), we are an ACC publication, but even though you're deployed, you can still receive a subscription to our safety magazine by following the hyperlink. Following are some of the other messages the reader should/could take from our October 04's back cover:

     The Combat Edge web link to obtain a subscription for your office.
     We will send the magazine to your location, whether you are CONUS,
     deployed, USAFE, PACAF, CENTCOM. etc.,
     Make time for safety. If you're worned about being seen reading a
     safety magazine at your desk, feeling it sends the message to
     others that you have "too much free time" and need more work to do,
     then take us with you, wherever you go be it the bathroom, dorm
     or home--just read it!
     Make good use of your time--read us in the bathroom because
     reading the sports section won't save your life.
     Finally, we see the magazines in the stalls, why not admit it and
     give it a positive spin?