First female graduate of the U.S. CGA selected for flag rank

bruno

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http://marinelink.com/en-US/News/Article/332641.aspx

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-7) offered his congratulations this week to United States Coast Guard Rear Admiral (lower half) Sandy Stosz, on the occasion of her promotion to that rank. Stosz, who is from Ellicott City, in the Seventh District, is the first female graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy to be selected for promotion to flag rank.

As the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Congressman Cummings took particular pride in the promotion of RADM Stosz. “This is a wonderful time for Sandy Stosz and her family,” said Congressman Cummings. “Other women have excelled in service to our nation and have attained a flag officer rank. However, the fact that 73 percent of Coast Guard flag officers attended the Academy shows that it can be an important first step in an illustrious career.

As we make efforts to increase diversity at the Academy, Admiral Stosz will stand as a shining example of the success that can be achieved when the Academy pursues those who may have believed attending was a dream beyond their grasp.”

Other female Coast Guard officers have been promoted to Rear Admiral and beyond, but none graduated from the Coast Guard Academy, which did not accept female candidates until United States service academies began to admit female students in 1976. RADM Stosz entered the Academy two years later, graduating in the Class of 1982.

During her tenure on the water, RADM Stosz commanded two Coast Guard vessels. RADM Stosz is now the Director of Enterprise Strategy, Management and Doctrine Oversight at U.S. Coast Guard headquarters in Washington
 
LITS, why is it RDML?

RDML is a Rear Admiral Lower Half (O-7, one star).
RADM is a Rear Admiral Upper Half (O-8, two stars).
VADM is a Vice Admiral (O-9, three stars).
ADM is an Admiral (O-10, 4 stars).
 
I saw her on a Southwest flight last weekend.
Cool! Did you talk with her?
did you tell her she was just a "diversity admit" and probably took the spot of a "more qualified" male?

Seriously, my heartiest congratulations to her! I am sure she will inspire many young women to achieve high goals.
 
Cool! Did you talk with her?
did you tell her she was just a "diversity admit" and probably took the spot of a "more qualified" male?

Nope, I didn't tell her that because the Coast Guard Academy doesn't "diversity admit". I've worked with her before. She was the CO of TRACEN Cape May as well.

The difference between the way you think and the way I think, I'm sure she was qualified, and that's why she was admitted, and has done as well as she had. I have the feeling you thing diversity is an excuse to admit less qualified members.
 
A little history for you LITS - back in the day....
when Congress laid down the decree to admit women - they knew they could not admit just one or two. they needed a certain number to make it work.
I am not saying she was unqualified or less qualified at all. I guess you need to define qualified because many people back then defined it as being male.

Until just a few years ago - there were indeed outcrys of unfairness from men (and women who depended on men) that women would be admitted with lower math SAT's - since "women are not good at math", that they were not strong enough to handle the physical demands, that they would be taking the place of a well qualified male and would be shorttimers anyway.

You don't remember the 70's but I do. Women were not considered qualifed or worthy of entering a "man's" occupation simply by virtue of their sex. Many people didn't see the need to actively recruit and admit women. After all, men had or would have families to support and women would want to get married and quit.

I have nothing but awe and admiration for RDML Stosz and other women like her. She was truly a ground breaker and I am sure it was not easy for her and her peers.
Futhermore - the Coast Guard Academy has done a great job of recruiting and encouraging young women to join the service.
 
So if I didn't know any of that JAM, then why would you ask if I had made that comment?

Oh, I remember, another underhanded comment. I would leave the "selection and promotion" assumptions to those of us who know something about it. She was selected because she was qualified. I would assume the same is true of your daughter. Any assumption otherwise is your own speculation, and while that may not be surprise, it is also not an educated comment.

Yes, you were alive in the 1970s, but last time I checked, you weren't a cadet or midshipman (please correct me if I'm wrong). What you know you've read or you've assumed.
 
Cool! Did you talk with her?
did you tell her she was just a "diversity admit" and probably took the spot of a "more qualified" male?

Seriously, my heartiest congratulations to her! I am sure she will inspire many young women to achieve high goals.

Seriously JAM? You give with one hand and SMACK down with the other.

It seems that you always have something negative to say on the CGA forum....what gives? :confused:
 
shellz - please go back and read my posts more carefully (don't be so quick to jump on the LITS bandwagon).

I have nothing but admiration and respect for the Coast Guard and the CGA.
When career fields were opening up to women the CGA - had and still has the most opportunities. The Coast Guard is a very "female" friendly service in that they have knocked down arbitrary barriers that prevented women from doing jobs they desire and also the opportunity for promotion.

Of course, my question was rhetorical. However, at that time - this future officer would have been surrounded by many who thought she was indeed, NOT qualified.
I was simply drawing a parallel between former attitudes concerning women and the current attitudes concerning minority applicants.
 
That's crazy. JAMs simply doing what she always does, takes shots. If we were to suggest that women are not welcomed at West Point, or that the education at West Point is substandard, or that there are issues with Honor at West Point, JAM would be off the walls.

Looks like JAM found a book about 1976 and federal service academies. If I were you JAM, I would talk to some of those women before I start spouting off here (and yes, I HAVE talked to those women).

You're right on it Shellz, it's easy to see right through her loose words to the intent of her comments.
 
That's crazy. JAMs simply doing what she always does, takes shots. If we were to suggest that women are not welcomed at West Point, or that the education at West Point is substandard, or that there are issues with Honor at West Point, JAM would be off the walls.

Looks like JAM found a book about 1976 and federal service academies. If I were you JAM, I would talk to some of those women before I start spouting off here (and yes, I HAVE talked to those women).

You're right on it Shellz, it's easy to see right through her loose words to the intent of her comments.

Thanks LIS!
Many women admitted to any SA in the early years were over qualified, had exceptional SAT scores, top of their HS graduating class, Div I worthy athletes who arrived on RDay or IDay and knew they had to perform knowing they were entering the 'male' world. These females were the pioneers of their time, sitting in Trig, Chemistry, Physics and Calculus classes in high school when teachers, guidance counselors and male counterparts thought them to be "odd/nerdy" girls.
It is insulting to think diversity, or the fact that one was female, played any role in attaining an appointment. In addition, CGA was the first to offer women the opportunity to attend a SA because they chose to, not because they were instructed to.
Was it a difficult first few years, yes, but any new experience has it's bumps and bruises.
30+ years later ask any male cadet about females being at CGA and they will look at you wondering why you would even ask that question. In fact, many will state that females bring a balance to both the school and the fleet.
It is an admirable accomplishment for RDML Stosz! :thumb: Way to go 82!
 
Thanks LIS!
In addition, CGA was the first to offer women the opportunity to attend a SA because they chose to, not because they were instructed to.

CGA was the first military service academy to admit women, in 1976. However, USMMA was the first federal service academy to admit women - in 1974.

Sorry, couldn't resist a bit of KP pride. :thumb:

But seriously, congratulations to RDML Stosz on her achievement!
 
It's always good to remember USMMA, KP, I agree.

They get left out far too often. Thanks for the reminder! :thumb:
 
shellz - please go back and read my posts more carefully (don't be so quick to jump on the LITS bandwagon).

I have nothing but admiration and respect for the Coast Guard and the CGA.
When career fields were opening up to women the CGA - had and still has the most opportunities. The Coast Guard is a very "female" friendly service in that they have knocked down arbitrary barriers that prevented women from doing jobs they desire and also the opportunity for promotion.

Of course, my question was rhetorical. However, at that time - this future officer would have been surrounded by many who thought she was indeed, NOT qualified.
I was simply drawing a parallel between former attitudes concerning women and the current attitudes concerning minority applicants.


JAM-
No bandwagon following here. Just honest observation.

I think you have some valid points, JAM, but I just can't figure out the underlying hostility. It detracts from your posts and takes away any credibility you may have on this, or other, forums.

Just my .02
 
Cool! Did you talk with her?
did you tell her she was just a "diversity admit" and probably took the spot of a "more qualified" male?

Seriously, my heartiest congratulations to her! I am sure she will inspire many young women to achieve high goals.

OMG



Obviously she was a qualified female.....
 
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