Jim Patterson writes for The Hill’s Congress Blog in a most distressed tone:
Hagel ‘resignation’ extends military’s transgender exclusion
“Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s resignation under pressure is a setback to the effort to end the military exclusion of transgender service personnel. His past two predecessors, Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, set the right path for inclusion of gay and lesbian service members and Hagel had the courage to continue their leadership and bring an end to the shameful transgender military exclusion. “
Apparently the forced resignation of Chuck Hagel as Sec. of Defense has inflicted serious damage to the latest high priority for strengthening America’s national security. The Hill doesn’t elaborate on the full effects on this nation’s ability to confront the wide range of threats expected by the “setback”. One can only surmise, however, that it is likely to be devastating. It was earlier reported that our armed forces currently have only 15,000 transgenders serving. No optimum number has been cited but Sec. Hagel has seemed to suggest that American forces are thus severely disadvantaged in their fight against ISIS.
The Hill piece didn’t mention it but undoubtedly more damage to America’s ability to successfully fight a war, as a result of Hagel’s departure, could be delays in the military’s adoption of “gender neutral” training standards for elite combat troops.
Already, if one tries to interpret the logic of the Obama administration’s and Congressional Democrats’ statements related to our military, our most elite forces, Navy Seals, Special Ops, are hampered by the absence of females in their ranks. Hagel’s departure at this time must undoubtedly be mourned by those deeply concerned about these issues.
Also mentioned is the desperate lack of first line fighting men like former campaign van driver and National Security Council spokesman, Tommy Vietor (“that was two years ago, dude”). What Seal team wouldn’t benefit from this man’s fighting skills and spirit.
If not that role, don’t be surprised to see Tommy in the running for successor to Hagel.
Tom-my, Tom-my, Tom-my…you go, Dude! DLH
Don Holmes “DLH” is Senior Editor of Veritaspac.com and served in the Army Reserves
