THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 26, 1994 TAG: 9408260010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Finally, a letter by a senior officer stating that the readiness of our armed forces has been diminished by increasing the role of women (letter, Aug. 22).
Trying to keep 65 sailors squared away on my last Med cruise in 1966 was a job. The average age of these male sailors was 19-20. Mix in 15-20 females with these 65 males, and the people in charge have a monumental headache.
Way to go, Capt. Donald H. Trueblood, U.S. Navy (ret.). However, I predict an avalanche of letters from the NOW gang, because the truth hurts.
R. A. BENZEL
Norfolk, Aug. 22, 1994
Retired Navy Capt. D. R. Trueblood's comments (Aug. 22) regarding Shannon Faulkner's admittance to The Citadel represents, yet again, the archaic mentality of the military community.
Capt. Trueblood's views perpetuate stereotyping racism, prejudice and sexism that women have to contend with from people who have prehistoric attitudes about women and their role in society.
This attitude certainly permitted if not caused the Tailhook scandal.
The absurd assertion by Capt. True-blood that the effectiveness of the service academies, Army, Navy and Air Force, has been diminished, not enhanced, by the admission of women is totally unfounded and unproved.
ELIZABETH BARWICK LaVOIE
Virginia Beach, Aug. 23, 1994 by CNB