When we shot down the Chinese intelligence balloon with a $400,000 missile instead of using the 20mm, $27 a round Gatling Gun I was stunned. I thought it was a little ridiculous but maybe there was a good reason for it. Then we used an additional four missiles to take down three more balloons. I am baffled by the decision-maker’s reasoning for this. Whenever you use any weapon to shoot something from the sky, there will be debris falling down to earth.

There is no doubt that we had to take down these threats. I served in the U.S. military for over 27 years and realize we do not shoot at anything without a good reason. I managed budgets for most of my adult life at work and home. So, the use of missiles in lieu of 20mm rounds does not make fiscal sense to me.

Earl Colella

Norwich