Sexual Harassment Allegations in Army

* Re “Army Targets Another Post in Sex Inquiry,” Nov. 12:

When my daughter joined the Army she pledged to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I certainly hope that she does not ever have to defend herself from other soldiers as well. On Nov. 14 my daughter graduated from Army basic training, after sweating it out right along with young men. I am proud of her and all the other young women who have shown that they, too, can withstand the rigorous training. On her trip to Aberdeen Proving Ground the day after graduation, I hope she did not regret her decision to join or feel apprehensive about what lies ahead due to the scandal and its implications.

I have thought, probably naively, that men’s awareness that women recruits went through the same training they did would help to foster respect for them. Women need to be respected as equals--so everyone can concentrate on doing their jobs--not exploited, demeaned or abused, and also not coddled, put on pedestals, or held to lower or higher expectations. I’m counting on the Army to make things right, and I will be following closely the steps the Army takes to continue to battle all forms of discrimination. It is very disheartening to me that 18 years after her dad and I left the Army this kind of thing is still going on.

LILIA MARTONAK

Culver City

* Given the military’s dismal record (Tailhook and other cases at the Air Force Academy, West Point and elsewhere) on sexual issues, it’s not surprising to see the latest scandal unfold, this time in the Army. Sad thing is, all of these scandals have a common theme: Long-standing, ingrained predatory sexual practices involving heterosexuals that are dealt with only when absolutely forced into the open.

While all of this is going on, the military continues to squander valuable resources hunting down and forcing out qualified, professional and dedicated people with exemplary service records. Their crime? Being gay. You don’t suppose they’re focusing on the wrong issues and discharging the wrong people, do you?

BRUCE HOWELL

Costa Mesa