Military Bullies

QUESTION: How according to Miller did men resist the inclusion of women in the military?

In  her article, “Women in the Military”, Laura L. Miller asserts that the male members of the American military resist the aspect of social change that is the growing presence of women in the military, by “using techniques of resistance more commonly associated with the protests of minorities.”-P.518

At the root of the gender relations problem in the military is male invocation of the victim role, and refusal to challenge military policy. As members of the structurally dominant group these men ironically choose to take on the role of the “underdog”, and in turn use methods of resistance against the perceived threat (women) that are typically assigned as “strategies of the weak” p.519.  Miller describes these efforts of resistance as being done in such a manner so as not to be traced directly back to the initiator.  Some specific examples of this resistance behavior are: sabotage, name calling, foot-dragging, spreading rumors, constant scrutiny, and indirect threats.

The basic logical objection of the male soldiers appears to be the existence of differentiality in relation to gender policies.  Male soldiers assert that these differences “work in women’s favor, disrupt the meritocratic order, and are likely to imperil soldiers in times of war.”p.525.   The men object to the differences which supposedly allow women to take advantage in the following ways: easier physical training standards, use of pregnancy as an advantage, better educational opportunities, exemption from combat arms as a way to faster promotion, and “getting away with more” because of a male commander’s uncomfort in seeing or hearing anything related to the subject of menses.

I find most of the male soldier’s objections justifiable.  I believe female soldiers should indeed be able to meet the same physical requirements as the male soldiers. Also, the objections related to educational opportunities and exemption from arms seem valid to me. I don’t think women should enlist in the army unless they are able to perform equally to male soldiers. The blame however lies with whoever is in charge of military policies, not with the female soldiers.  The complaint that female soldiers get away with more because of “paternalism” is again, the fault of non-enforcement of regulations and not the female soldier.  Finally, the male soldier’s complaint of pregnancy as an advantage brings to mind a whiny three year old, stomping his feet and yelling, “No Fair!” To these soldiers who complain about this issue I say “Tough-get over it”. Women are responsible for growing another human being inside their body for those nine months and should do whatever is medically best for both mother and child. All of the male soldier’s complaints are due to existing military policy and non enforcement of said policies. The male soldiers need to either speak up* (or find advocates to do so for them) to Congress and the Department of Defense as to the unfair policies, or remain silent on the matter and stop being juvenile and harassing female soldiers.

*SOLDIERS' RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND RESTRICTIONS

Freedom of Expression

The right of all citizens to express their feelings freely and openly has only those limitations necessary to protect the rights of society. Soldiers have the same basic rights. These rights must, however, be consistent with good order and discipline and national security.

CORRESPONDING WITH A MEMBER OF CONGRESS  

Soldiers may write or petition any member of Congress about a complaint. You should not interfere with or try to dissuade a soldier from exercising this right. UCMJ, Article 138 (Chapter 13), protects a soldier's right to complain and request correction of a grievance against his commander.

WRITING FOR PUBLICATION

Generally, soldiers may not write on the following topics without submitting their writing for prior review and approval by the appropriate headquarters:

• National government operations.
• Military matters.
• Foreign policy.

They may write letters to editors and similar articles that constitute personal opinion or knowledge without having them reviewed and approved, even if the topic involves military matters or foreign policy. (See AR 360-5, Chapter 4.) Soldiers may not do personal writing during duty hours or use Army facilities, personnel, or property. (See paragraph 2-4.)

Writing for underground newspapers is not illegal, but it is subject to the same restrictions as other forms of writing. Soldiers may publish these newspapers off post, on their own time, and with their own money. However, soldiers are subject to discipline if the newspaper contains material or words for which the soldier can be prosecuted under federal law.

DEMONSTRATING

Soldiers may participate in demonstrations if they do not-

• Do so during duty hours.
• Soldiers participating during duty hours may be considered AWOL.
• Do so while in uniform.
• Soldiers in uniform can give the appearance that the Army sponsors or approves of the demonstration.
• Do so while on post.
• Do so while in a foreign country.
• Create a breach of law and order such as blocking traffic or assaulting police.
• Do so when violence is likely to result. (See AR 600-20, paragraph 5-3.)

Soldiers who demonstrate in a manner prohibited by AR 600-20 may be subject to disciplinary action.

EXPRESSING OPINIONS ON POLITICAL SUBJECTS

Soldiers do not lose the right to express opinions on all political subjects and candidates. Soldiers may not, however, use "official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with an election or affecting the course of its outcome" (DOD Directive 1344.10). Therefore, as a commander, you may not campaign among your subordinates for any political party or candidate or distribute any literature published by one.

VOTING

Soldiers retain the right to vote in local and national elections. They may register to vote at their legal or permanent residence. (See AR 600-20.) Some soldiers change their legal residence to the state where they are stationed. (However, by registering to vote where stationed, soldiers might incur local taxes. Any soldier considering registering in the local community should visit a legal assistance officer to discuss possible problems.) When duty requires them to be away, soldiers may vote by absentee ballot. The forms needed to get absentee ballots and other election materials are generally available in the legal assistance office or from the unit voting officer.

ATTENDING POLITICAL MEETINGS

When not in uniform, soldiers may attend both partisan and nonpartisan political meetings or rallies as spectators. While soldiers may go to these rallies, they may not speak before a partisan political gathering of any kind to promote a partisan political party or candidate. The limitations on soldiers participating in public demonstrations also apply to participating in political meetings. That is, soldiers cannot do so when on duty, while in uniform, while on post, and so forth. Furthermore, soldiers may not attend partisan political events as representatives of the Army, even though they do not actively participate. (See AR 600-20, Appendix B.)

Soldiers may also join political clubs and attend meetings when not in uniform. However, they may not serve in any official capacity (for instance, as officers) or be sponsors of a partisan political club.

Legal Assistance

Through the legal assistance program, the Army provides free legal advice to soldiers and their family members. (See AR 27-3.) In some places, the Army is also operating a court representation program. This program permits legal assistance attorneys to represent soldiers before civilian courts. To qualify for this program, a soldier must be unable to afford civilian counsel. Check with your legal assistance office to find out if this expanded program is available

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/27-1/Ch10.htm