The April 20th edition of NYT maligned virtually all military analysts, accusing some of being tools of a Pentagon propaganda machine. That assertion is flatly wrong.

We have never stated anything about defense or national security that we did not believe to be true. Equally important, we also have served the essential wartime function of helping civilians be better informed about our military, our enemies, and how the war is being conducted.

Those of us who had a similar arrangement with the Clinton administration are confident that what you have been reporting is really old news. We have said and will continue to say what we truly believe after looking at all information and facts available to us through the prism of our extensive professional military experience. Suggesting we intentionally misled the American people for partisan political purposes or some quid pro quo personal gain is an unconscionable libel of our honor and long service to this nation.

We participated in Pentagon briefings and television and radio network interviews chiefly because our hosts believed we had the credentials to do so as military professionals.

It was only after the fall of Baghdad and the very successful embed program did the Pentagon Public Affairs office approach us to supplement our very credible sources. When it comes to discussing needs and tactics of the U.S. military, who is better suited to give advice and reliable commentary on war and peace issues than those who have spent so much of their lives in this profession?

It is true that we collectively and individually believe it is imperative for the United States to defeat Radical Islam which threatens our nation and the Free World. It is not true that we have or ever would betray or deceive the country that we spent careers serving. Disagreeing with anyone, including the New York Times, on the analysis of events should not subject us to being maligned for simply not sharing their opinion on the war. We will continue to speak out honestly to the American people about national security threats. Like our military service, we consider it our duty.

Tom McInerney
LTGEN USAF (RET)

Paul Vallely
MGEN USA (RET)

Charles Nash
CAPT USN (RET)

Bill Cowan
LCOL USMC (RET)

Wayne Simmons
Retired US Intelligence Officer