Military leaders' political involvement carries risks, scholars say.

Byline: Harry Levins

ST. LOUIS _ Gen. Omar Bradley once said, "Thirty-two years in the peacetime Army taught me to do my job, hold my tongue and keep my name out of the papers."

But last week's papers listed a dozen retired generals and admirals who allied themselves with Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. Even more retired officers are expected to rally this month behind President Bush.

Their involvement runs against the grain of American military tradition, several scholars say. What's more, say the scholars and one retired general, this involvement packs the possibility of problems.

Other retired generals call that view nonsense. They say retired military people have the right to speak out _ and the experience that qualifies them to speak out.

"We fought the wars, and we understand what war is all about," says retired Army Lt. Gen. Sam Wetzel.

Until recent decades, American generals and admirals have largely steered clear of politics.