Kudos to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel for taking a pay cut in a show of solidarity with Pentagon workers being furloughed because of the federal budget sequester. His action is a noble gesture. But it doesn't have to be this way and it shouldn't be.

Because of Congressional inaction, the sequester is now starting to affect the military, including their ability to properly train troops. With North Korea's recent aggressive moves, Iran still bent on developing a nuclear capability, and U.S. troops still in Afghanistan, we cannot afford poor training for missions that might be necessary at a moment's notice.

The sequester is also cutting benefit programs that our troops have earned, such as the military's tuition assistance program. It is clear that Congress must act to end the sequester for, among other things, our nation's security and the well-being of the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us.

Jean Salvatore, Bel Air
