I feel it is necessary to set the record straight after reading Marilyn Karras' May 15 article concerning Lt. Kelly Flinn, the female B-52 pilot who is facing disciplinary action for adultery, fraternization and disobeying an order.
It is obvious that Karras is intending to sway public sympathy by claiming Lt. Flinn is a victim of gender bias, and briefly mentions a few similar cases involving male officers in an attempt to substantiate her claim of a double standard.What Karras failed to mention is that, as a B-52 pilot, Lt. Flinn must meet and maintain certain requirements that many of her male counterparts do not, unless they too are B-52 pilots. These include the requirements to be granted a top secret/crypto security clearance and qualification under the Personal Reliability Program (PRP). Both require an individual to maintain the highest degree of integrity and honesty.
You see, Lt. Flinn has been entrusted with some of our nation's most closely guarded military secrets involving nuclear weapons. We need not suppose that because the threats of the Cold War are no longer a serious concern, that there are not those in the world who would like to obtain some of those secrets.
By placing herself in compromising situations, as Lt. Kelly did, she becomes a potential target. Agents use many ploys including blackmail, bribery, threats and coercion to extract secrets from those who have let their guard down. The Air Force cannot risk compromising national security by allowing Lt. Flinn continued access to critical information.
Lt. Flinn made choices that will undoubtedly result in her disqualification under the PRP and the loss of her security clearance. This would prevent her from flying the B-52, regardless of any court-martial. Continuing to place her in the biased media spotlight only exacerbates the situation.
This is not a moral issue or a matter involving two consenting adults. It is a violation of military law. Lt. Flinn has admitted lying and willfully disobeying a direct and specific order. While we may have compassion for her, what she did was not a naive mistake as Karras claims. Lt. Flinn knew the rules and chose to disobey them.
In fact, Karras' naivete of the military justice system, the strict uncompromising standards required of a B-52 pilot, and the military way of life is evident in her unsubstantiated supposition and speculation. How do I know? I just retired after a 30-year career with the Air Force, during which I flew the B-52.
Jon Bouwhuis
Bountiful