I appreciate Wade A. Kellogg's comments on my letter to the editor ("Military readiness essential," Letters to the editor, Feb. 6 print edition) and I applaud his sincerity. I feel the need, however, to make a few comments on his analysis of my diatribe. First, in my letter, I did not accuse the "generals and military leaders" of declaring wars. I respectfully call to Mr. Kellogg's attention that my letter was addressed to politicians.

Contrary to Mr. Kellogg's assertion that shrinking the military "will cause long-term damage to ... servicemen" (and presumably to servicewomen), shrinking the military would allow thousands of men and women to utilize their talents in constructive employment outside of the armed forces. I don't challenge Mr. Kellogg's assertion that our nuclear stockpiles have been reduced -- I suggested only that they should be further reduced. Mr. Kellogg says that carrying out my suggestions "will put our troops in more danger". His logic escapes me, since if my suggestions were followed, our military would all be stationed in the United States. I respect the military (I was drafted in 1943 at the age of 18 and served in World War II as a private first class in the 78th Infantry Division in Germany from December 1944 to March 1946 in combat and on occupation duty in Berlin), but I don't respect wars. Robert L. Davis Ann Arbor