The following is an opinion piece by Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

My fellow soldiers. Brothers, sisters, and transgender warriors of all shapes, colors, creeds, and religions. The Army is in peril. After 13 years of persistent conflict we face a greater threat than any ever seen before.

I speak of the long-haired, poorly shaven hordes of so-called "combat veterans" that plague our ranks. These creatures — more beast than human — have no knowledge of standards. Nor do they have any understanding of the pure, unadulterated joy a snap uniform inspection or new reflective belt policy can bring.

These foul demons, spawned in the wastes of Fallujah, Mosul, Kunar, and possibly the very gates of Hell itself, threaten to bring our storied institution crashing down.

But be strong my young warriors and rest assured that we are fighting back with all the weapons at our disposal. We have won the first battle, eliminating thousands of their leaders through Officer Sele…