The hue and cry for ouster of Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) from the rolls of “once a marine, always a marine” may be heard anew. The longtime lawmaker and staunch military supporter—and retired Marine colonel—made headlines again, saying on ABC News’ “Nightline” that he would not join today’s military. Murtha recently about-faced on US involvement in Iraq and called for a “soon as it’s safe” withdrawal of US forces, drawing critics far and wide.
Every year, Congress and the military debate which combat assets should head to the boneyard and which have more life left in them. Lawmakers often opt to keep Air Force systems that bring jobs to their districts, which complicates matters as the service looks to modernize and ditch certain platforms.…