Military training is for combat, not policing

In his column, “Outsiders should handle alleged police abuse cases” (Opinion, Oct. 4), Leonard Pitts listed some reader responses to his question, “What can be done about unarmed African-American men being injured or killed by police?” I would like to add one.

In the last decade, many former members of the military have found employment with police departments. As a former Vietnam veteran, I applaud this action. These military men and women are highly trained, motivated and well-qualified. Police administrators must understand, however, that military training prepared these veterans for combat situations where anyone they might come in contact with should rightfully be considered an “enemy” and treated accordingly. That is very different from “protecting and serving” their community. That should be emphasized in their police training.

RAY WOOLFOLK, VILLA RICA