So in summary, your experience is limited to your daughter's ROTC anecdotes. (By the by, I've noticed that most people think experience is very important when discussing complex issues, until a subject comes up where they have none, and suddenly they don't find it so important.)
We all know your views on this and your vociferous arguments are your way of politicking on your daughter's behalf. I'd expect no less from a good father. It's natural.
Consider this, though. Do you suppose that all the people on this thread with experience are in some form of cahoots, taking part in a vast conspiracy against your "enlightened" view? Or do you suppose that maybe there's something to all those voices of experience saying that this is not the great idea you make it out to be? Occham's razor applies.
Everyone wants equal standards. Until certain people can't reach their career goals.
As I said in my last post, this is about the
experience of
women and how they react to achievement of a standard. I've observed my share of women in my life. I argued that women in the military should be no different. Yes I only have 1 ROTC cadet as datum. Considering that you probably have observed that women in the military, you should be in a better position to validate or argue against that theory. So I ask again, do women in the military want watered down standards?
I find that when folks don't answer a question asked twice, they find misapplied arguments to use to keep avoiding the question.
And please, I'm not politicking. You guys can't do anything for her career. And I don't politic for her where someone could because that sends the message that she can't get there on her own. I haven't talked to her cadre since freshman orientation (It would be awkward if I didn't introduce myself considering that I had to drive her there).
Yeah, I take pride in her accomplishments. I would say that this is not uncommon around here.
Finally, as to all the "experience" arguing against me, let me describe the circular argument that is being created by the "experienced" crowd (not intentionally, but still it is being created) :
1) "Experienced" folks haven't seen a woman who can do X MOS.
2) The Politicians are going to make us define the standards for X MOS that don't really qualify people for X MOS.
3) If we are good soldiers and implement the Politically defined standards (our leadership won't do otherwise), we have a standard that doesn't really qualify anyone for X MOS.
4) Because of this lower standard, people are going to get killed or we won't accomplish the mission. All failures from this point forward are because of the new standard.
5) Which brings us to "I told you so, we are failing because women coming in under lower standards." Women can't do X MOS.
Now if the "men" running these "all male" MOS's would have the guts (not going to use the male anatomical part here) to defend their performance standard (aside from the gender part) and welcome all comers, they might find that few if any women qualified. I seriously doubt those who came up short in their qualification would have the guts (they don't have that male anatomical part by definition) to complain that the standards are too tough. I don't think they would want any more embarrassment. And any that do, would not last long.
I actually suspect that the people running this operation may actually figure this out and do the right thing (don't change the standard except to remove gender from qualification). If they understand politics right now, the Generals understand getting that next promotion can be held up by either party and that there is no politically correct solution and at least you can explain using the same physical standards.
Don't get me wrong. They will have to justify the existing standards, but I seriously doubt any MOC can win that argument.
And if there is a lack of intestinal fortitude in military leadership with regard to modifying the standards, please do not blame the military women for the failings, blame your leadership. They know better. And women don't appreciate being a token any more than a minority appreciates it.