DEI and wokeness has invaded all western militaries in different ways. In Israel, for example the ethos of "victory" has lost its luster amongst the General Staff (but not the officers and soldiers in the field). This is due to "courses" taken at Harvard and discussions and lectures by senior US officers on woke topics.
Let's hope Hesgith's actions trickle down to Israel and other western countries.
Thomas, as a loyal reader of your Substack, I know that you have mentioned that both you and your daughter are military veterans. If you're inclined, I would be very curious to know your thoughts about women in combat roles. As you know, this was a somewhat contentious issue during the Hegseth nomination process.
I hesitated over this question because when it's your own daughter, objectivity becomes a challenge. Alex was an MP, and in Afghanistan her company had a combat role: convoy escort, site security, quick reaction force. She was under fire more than once, and received the Combat Action Badge.
Her experiences, and the pride I take in her service, obviously affect my present opinion on the subject of women in combat.
There are only a handful of military specialties for which a case might be made that women cannot serve with men on a basis of equality: infantry, the various special forces, things like that. There's only one policy that both meets the needs of the military and respects the service of women: meaningful standards, impartially enforced. That's easier said than done, I know, but it's the only way forward.
Thank you for your kind reply. You must be enormously proud of your daughter, as you should be. In my experience, when a child is so exceptional, its because the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.
Well, Alex grew up while I was still serving in the Army Reserve. She saw me in uniform many times, visited the reserve center, and so forth. I suppose that had its effect.
Boy Tom I couldn’t agree with you more. I have a friend, a Marine like me whose two sons joined. The older son just got out. He told me that they waste so much time on pointless classes, promotions are not given on merit but by quotas. I’m really hoping Pete can fix this or we may be in big trouble
I hear the same thing about the Army. That's why after some soul-searching, I decided that Pete Hegseth deserved an opportunity to show what he can do. It's not as if his immediate predecessors have done such a geat job, despite all their experience and qualifications.
DEI and wokeness has invaded all western militaries in different ways. In Israel, for example the ethos of "victory" has lost its luster amongst the General Staff (but not the officers and soldiers in the field). This is due to "courses" taken at Harvard and discussions and lectures by senior US officers on woke topics.
Let's hope Hesgith's actions trickle down to Israel and other western countries.
Thomas, as a loyal reader of your Substack, I know that you have mentioned that both you and your daughter are military veterans. If you're inclined, I would be very curious to know your thoughts about women in combat roles. As you know, this was a somewhat contentious issue during the Hegseth nomination process.
I hesitated over this question because when it's your own daughter, objectivity becomes a challenge. Alex was an MP, and in Afghanistan her company had a combat role: convoy escort, site security, quick reaction force. She was under fire more than once, and received the Combat Action Badge.
Her experiences, and the pride I take in her service, obviously affect my present opinion on the subject of women in combat.
There are only a handful of military specialties for which a case might be made that women cannot serve with men on a basis of equality: infantry, the various special forces, things like that. There's only one policy that both meets the needs of the military and respects the service of women: meaningful standards, impartially enforced. That's easier said than done, I know, but it's the only way forward.
Thank you for your kind reply. You must be enormously proud of your daughter, as you should be. In my experience, when a child is so exceptional, its because the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.
Well, Alex grew up while I was still serving in the Army Reserve. She saw me in uniform many times, visited the reserve center, and so forth. I suppose that had its effect.
Boy Tom I couldn’t agree with you more. I have a friend, a Marine like me whose two sons joined. The older son just got out. He told me that they waste so much time on pointless classes, promotions are not given on merit but by quotas. I’m really hoping Pete can fix this or we may be in big trouble
I hear the same thing about the Army. That's why after some soul-searching, I decided that Pete Hegseth deserved an opportunity to show what he can do. It's not as if his immediate predecessors have done such a geat job, despite all their experience and qualifications.
When the bullets are flying, everyone in the field is a potential target. Can't get any more inclusive than that.