It’s All About the Rank

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  Posted By: lifeisdelicious @ 07/10/2008 8:58:57 PM

  As a veteran female, I disagree. The politics of getting rank in a male dominated organization is difficult. I went through Soldier Competition after Soldier Competition to prove myself, whereas my male counterpart just had to join the Masons to get recommended for the promotion board. Of course I was in the Army and if I'm correct the Navy has a different promotion system.

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  Posted By: 1nTX @ 06/13/2008 2:24:53 PM

  Having served in the air force as an african american male I can say overall the job satisfaction is there because its members understand that sexism and racism is not tolerated and you have avenues that you can take to address it when it occurs. The majority of people I have met in the military are outstanding people give you the shirt off their back but I have also met some of its unspoken members (prejudices by both white and black). Have I been called out my race; of course and the military handled it appropiately. I believe the military provides an opportunity for people to be judged on ability not skin color or sex as long as they can admit the person can get the job done.
  As for women I have met more that could do the job better than some men and didnt need any special treatment or would ask for it but there would be one who would be remembered for asking and ruin it for others
  Ultimately the military is built on enlistment from the civilian sector thus bring in some of its problems. The UCMJ protects all its members from unfair treatment and the civilian world could use some if its guidance.

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  Posted By: emtyn1 @ 06/13/2008 12:13:36 AM

  I grew up an Army brat and what the article says is true. My late father's best, long-lasting friend from a military was a white guy from Alabama (who woulda thunk it?). Although my dad died in '93, he still sends me the first Christmas card I get every year. I've lived the last 24 years in the same, predominantly white neighborhood. Neighbors are very carrying and supportive of eachother (during deaths, births, kids with cancer, etc.), The difference in the military, the neighborhood is well integrated. In my civilian neighborhood, only after 24 years are minorities--first blacks, now Latinos--moving in. Civilian neighborhoods are very segregated by race (which is caused by income differences....which is caused by a variety of factors).