In your Jan 2 editorial about “military might” you overlook America’s smallest armed service. It seems to happen all the time. The United States Coast Guard is left out when accounting for the actions of our armed forces.

True, with a total strength of between 37,000 to 40,000 it is a “small service” but as our slogan goes, “Small Service, Big Job.” The Coast Guard was actively involved in the Persian Gulf since 1990. Much of this activity has been performed by Reservists assigned to Port Security Units (PSU’s).

In the most recent activities, the Coast Guard has had six of the 110-foot patrol boats in the gulf and they are still there. In addition, PSU activity continues. The larger cutters have returned to their “normal” duties.

Of all the services the Coast Guard has been stretched beyond imagination in the period following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. It has been assigned to broad new homeland security activities while being clearly charged with maintaining the pre-Sept. 11 responsibilities in search and rescue, aids to navigation, domestic law enforcement and commercial maritime safety.

Both active and reserve (and now even the civilian auxiliary), the Coast Guard is providing America with a day-to-day front line of defense in the coastal environment. This small but dedicated group of men and women should not be overlooked.

Charles Clune

BOSN 4 USCG (retired)

Bradley