Women in Combat Roles

In response to “Men Are Men and Women Are Women,” Column Right, by John Luddy, Aug. 24:

Luddy’s lack of imagination is truly startling. In a modern technological era there are many ways women who choose to do so can be effective warriors.

To answer his queries directly: I wouldn’t mind for one second that my son (or daughter) was rescued from the battlefield by a 120-pound female. I am sure her piloting skills of an Apache (or other aircraft) would be the equal of a 175-pound male’s! If a base camp was overrun by the enemy, does it matter who was squeezing off rounds for the protective fire that might save my derriere?

I am no less horrified by the thought of my son being skewered on a bayonet as I would be my daughter. To paraphrase that “extremist” Rep. Pat Schroeder (D-Colo.), I am no less distressed to see America’s daughters coming home in body bags as I am to see her sons!

The point is that one’s abilities should be matched to the job that is required. If a woman Marine lacked the upper-body strength of her male counterpart, I am sure that the military could utilize her abilities in the proper job match.

The point is, Mr. Luddy, that this is a matter of choice. I want America’s military to be made up of motivated, patriotic Americans who are led by imaginative and intelligent leaders. It is a shame that as a former Marine officer you reaffirm the truth to that old oxymoron: military intelligence!

LELAND P. HAMMERSCHMITT

Ojai