Former top general: U.S. military ready to battle "evil and barbaric" terrorists

By SUSANNE M. SCHAFER
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – The nation's former top military commander bid adieu to his troops Monday, saying the armed forces are ready to take on the "evil and barbaric" foes who recently attacked America.

Army Gen. Henry H. Shelton marked the end of his 38 years of military service and tenure as President Bush's senior military adviser by touching again and again on the new mission handed the military in its war against terrorism.

"I have no doubt that you will stand tall and vigilant against those who seek to destroy the enduring freedoms that we enjoy as Americans," said Shelton.

The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was joined by his wife, Carolyn, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and the new Joint Chiefs chairman, Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, at the hourlong ceremony.

The event was also attended by many of the nation's top military commanders and another former chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The end of Shelton's second two-year term came as tens of thousands of military men and women have begun to mobilize in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks against Washington and the Pentagon.

Shelton, wearing his black Army beret, joined Rumsfeld as they strode across the green parade field under cloudy skies at Fort Myer, near the Pentagon. The four-star Army general was honored with a 21-gun salute and a brisk wind whipped the flags from honor guards of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

"I wish you and the president all the best as you set the course for our country in the difficult and uncertain months ahead," Shelton said.

"Recent evil and barbaric attacks have been made against the United States and the people of the world," the general said, adding the United States has responded by calling upon other nations to join it in a campaign against terror.

Noting that President Bush had told the nation's military to be ready in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Shelton said, "I am proud to report, America's military is ready."

Shelton said recent events called to mind the late 1930s, when the "winds of war" were enveloping Europe. He quoted Winston Churchill as saying, "Civilization will not last, freedom will not survive, peace will not be kept unless a very large majority of mankind unite together to defend them."

"Farewell to you, our nations armed forces," Shelton said.

As the tall, gray-haired soldier took his seat, his wife wiped away tears. All others stood and applauded.

APNP-10-01-01 1207CDT