In Mike Lacy’s column about the University Committee on the ROTC and Tom Rainey, a student who opposes the ROTC, Mr. Lacy describes Mr. Rainey’s beliefs: “…that ROTC should (not) even exist” and “…that we don’t need armies.”

I share these beliefs. As a pacifist I cannot condone the existence of any branch of the military. Defense is based on a premise of aggressive killing of those whose governments hold opinions differing from ours.

I cannot realistically expect the United States to dismantle its entire defense industry, much as I would welcome such a gesture toward world peace.

I know this will not happen. But, as a university community we should call for peace, understanding and demilitarization. I am well aware of student financial difficulties and of the resultant attractiveness of the ROTC program.

I suggest that the United States develop, with government monies made available by cutting defense spending, a scholarship program in peace studies. Such a program should offer career training and financial assistance equally lucrative to those offered by the ROTC system. Graduates of peace studies could be assigned to the Peace Corps, Vista or other nonviolent government work.

Students should have a real choice about the way they serve their country and not be forced out of financial need to compromise the commitment toward peace, which is the only hope for the continuing survival of the world.

oslyn Raney

assistant professor

department of foreign languages

and literatures