OPINION:
I served in the U.S. Army for 30 years. The military likes to say its troops are treated equally, but if that is so, why are there different standards for male and female members of the armed forces? (“Army swaps sit-ups for combat run in new PT tests,” Web, Tuesday).
By having different standards, the military is saying men and women are not equal, and it should stop paying lip service to the equality lie. How will these different standards relate to promotions? Will women in the military be given an advantage, as they currently are, for doing less than men? This doesn’t seem “equal” to me. Will all troops be issued the full combat load, including the reserves, so they can train to the standard? In my experience, the Army does not issue everyone the same type of gear.
It sounds to me as though this aim for equality is being driven by the combat units and is not realistic for the entire force. I would love to be on the ground while this test is given so I can see the results.
SGT. MAJOR ROBERT WINSTEAD
U.S. Army (retired)
Alexandria, Va.
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