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Women in the war zone

I do not wish war on anyone, man or woman. However, we live in a vastly imperfect world where war is a reality at the present time. Until that reality changes, and we know no more war, I’d rather see someone’s father, son or brother by my side than their mother, sister, wife or daughter.

— Ground_PounderNCO

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I don’t think it’s about gender, I think it’s about having the best fighters in the fight. Generally that means men because the physical demands are so great. I never want to see standards lowered for the sake of allowing anyone a chance to be in combat arms.

— JodieCoyotie

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If a woman thinks she has it in her to fight on the front lines, I say go for it.

— spirit_eyes

Defense for Aussies

Regarding the article about a supposed Marine captain upset with scantily clad Australian women [“Letter writer riles Aussies,” Jan. 18]:

How do you go to another country and criticize what their women are wearing? They probably dress no worse than some women in the states. And he was a captain.

— commonsense101

Higher BAH for officers

Can someone please tell me why a second lieutenant gets more basic allowance for housing than a sergeant, and so on? [“2010 Basic Allowance for Housing,” Jan. 11.] They already get more pay, why do they get to live better?

— kenny10

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Because they made a smart decision and did what it took to earn a commission and a better standard of living. Officers get paid more because they have a much higher level of responsibility, same as in the civilian world and everywhere else. … It’s the American way. If you are looking for equality, then meet the same standards as the person you want to be equal to. If you want to get the same benefits as the guy who has achieved more than you, move to a socialist or communist nation.

— SKLAV

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This is the age-old argument of blue collar vs. white collar. Why does my boss make more money than me just because he is management and I’m not? It’s because companies and the military have placed value on that degree and what it may have taken to earn it. That value is in terms of compensation. If you want someone with particular skills, and you as a collective unit (the military or company) have determined that a four-year degree is the prerequisite, then you must be prepared to provide incentive for those people to earn the degree and receive the commission.

— SailorDave