[MFFJM2]

I don't know CPT Castro, but that has nothing to do with my opinion or the regulation that stipulates he isn't "fit for duty." I don't think COL Mulholland and ADM Olsen are wrong. I know they're wrong, and I've presented the regulation that proves it. The case of CPT Castro is about letting him get to his 20 years (only three years away) so he can retire as a Captain and then get full VA disability (which is now permitted without any offset for holders of the Purple Heart). The amount he would receive from this longevity retirement and VA disability would be more than he would receive if he were to be medically retired.

This is also a PR campaign, to show the Army doesn't just throw away our wounded and heroic veterans; especially after the revelations at Walter Reed. If the regulations were to be re-written to allow disabled veterans to remain on active duty at least then ADM Olsen and COL Mulholland would not be violating the regs, but the decision would still be wrong. It's wrong for CPT Castro and for the Army.

CPT Castro must begin his new life without sight. He needs to learn Braille so he can continue to be a valuable part of our society. He may wish to go to law school, or obtain higher education and teach, or he may simply wish to write about his experiences, all of which are valid uses of his intellignce and abilities. He can only do these things once he has received instruction is Braille and living without sight. He cannnot do that while he's on active duty unless they violate further regs by allowing him to be paid without actually filling a duty position.

He has no place in the Active Duty military and certainly not in Special Forces. As a former Battalion and Group Adjutant and a Commander in Special Forces, I'm pretty familiar with the MTO&E. What position will CPT Castro fill..? What duties will he be expected to accomplish..? He isn't qualified to fire a weapon, drive a vehicle, or even complete the APFT. The regs on the APFT require the 2-mile run be conducted without assistance, including not allowing someone to pace you.

If it's fair for CPT Castro, why isn't it fair for every wounded veteran..? If the Army is going to allow CPT Castro to reach active duty retirement, can we bring back all the blinded and disabled veterans from WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam and let them reach their 20-year retirement..? We have medical retirement for cases just like CPT Castro. If you want to help disabled veterans including CPT Castro, get Congress to increase the VA disability or increase the medical retirement pay.