Armed Forces: Dissent in Uniform

Griping has always been one of the American soldier's few inalienable rights. George Washington's Continentals complained about pay, equipment and the length of the war. Fighting men ever since have kicked about food, duty rosters and assignments. Now a growing number of G.I.s—though still a small minority—are voicing more substantive complaints and employing most unmilitary techniques to make sure that they are heard.

Eight soldiers at Fort Jackson, S.C., circulated petitions asking the base commander for permission to assemble to discuss the Viet Nam war. Forty-three Negro soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas,...