![]() |
Retired 3 and 4-Star General(s) Petition Court to Add Women to Draft Registration
Retired 3- and 4-Star Generals Petition Court to Add Women to Draft Registration
By: Patricia Kime - Military.com & Monster.com - 02-12-21 Re: https://www.military.com/daily-news/...istration.html Photo link: https://images05.military.com/sites/...?itok=3CjPeKz6 Recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, participate in the Initial Strength Test (IST) at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Feb. 12, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps/Lance Cpl. Zachary T. Beatty) Ten retired general and flag officers, including the former director of the National Security Agency, have filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting expansion of draft registration to include women. Retired Air Force Gen. Mike Hayden, former director of the National Security Administration; Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal; Army Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy and others filed a "friend of the court," or amicus, brief Wednesday supporting a case brought against the government by the National Coalition For Men, a group challenging the constitutionality of the Selective Service System's male-only registration restriction. **The case landed in the Supreme Court after a federal appeals court ruled in August that the male-only draft is constitutional.** The plaintiffs -- and the retired flag officers -- argue that the exclusion is discriminatory and "inimical to the nation's security interests." "Including women in the selective service would double the pool of candidates available to draft, raising the overall quality of the conscripted force and enabling the nation to better meet its military needs," wrote Hayden and the others. The case -- National Coalition For Men, James Lesmeister and Anthony Davis v. Selective Service System and Donald Benton -- began as a lawsuit in 2013 by Lesmeister, later joined by Davis and the San Diego-based men's organization. U.S. men between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to register with the Selective Service System. The lawsuit asserts that the system discriminated against Lesmeister and Davis based on gender. Lesmeister and the coalition argued that women should be included in the system database and subject to the draft if it is ever needed. A U.S. District Court judge agreed with the plaintiffs in February 2019, ruling that the male-only draft was unconstitutional, discriminating against men on the basis of sex in violation of the Fifth Amendment's equal protection clause. A three-judge panel with the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in August that, while the facts of an earlier Supreme Court decision that set precedent confirming the legality of the male-only draft registration had changed, this "does not grant a court of appeals license to disregard or overrule that precedent." In the amicus brief, the general and flag officers argue that women, who make up 17% of the armed forces, now work in combat and non-combat roles -- something that does not "lower military standards." "Rather than lowering military standards, fully integrating the armed forces has ensured that each individual, regardless of gender, is thoroughly qualified to meet the specific needs of his or her position," they wrote. An attorney who helped the officers draft their brief, Todd Toral of the Los Angeles-based firm Jenner & Block, called the restriction "one of the last examples of overt sex discrimination written into law from a bygone era." "For years, American women have prevailed in our nation's toughest military schools and military ranks. It's time we value their contributions and service, and it's time that our policies reflect this cultural shift," said Toral, a Marine Corps veteran. Other groups that have filed briefs in favor of the plaintiffs include the Modern Military Association of America, the National Organization for Women Foundation, Women's Law Project, Gender Justice and Women's Law Center of Maryland. The National Coalition For Men, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, filed its case petition to the U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 8. The federal government's response is due by March 15. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Links to Related Topics: Military Headlines Women in the Military Women in Combat Military Legal Available on: Re: https://www.military.com/daily-news/...istration.html At the bottom of the post. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Personal note: Drafting women into the service would at least give some of them one of many options not currently available to them. The experience would challenge many of them to prove their worth (not to say they don't already) but to be part of the Team in Play - offer's them - Training - Education - Travel - and the opportunity to serve their country other than just child-bearing. It would also help them to earn college credits in certain fields they currently don't have access to. Most families today don't have the money to send their kids to college - serving will give them credits towards college and Veteran benefits to get their degree's. So what do you Ladies think of this!? I know many of you would dislike military service (just like many guys) but if you're out of school - have no real plans would like see the world and travel - here you go! Your Country is there for you. You will get to see much of the world you may never have a chance to see. I've been around this world at least 1.5 times already. NS & EW - one exception I didn't make it to Africa or Australia (damn it those I really wanted to see) - other wise Ladies the world is your apple - just like its been to many other Women/Men Veterans. You will be trained to protect yourself & others. You will where your uniform with pride. They can never take that back from you! Your experiences will inspire others and your teaching will train those that follow you. When you're out you will carry with pride that you contributed to your Country in Peace and in time of War. I would also be proud of you - as would all those who've served. Women are needed in many areas of the military - not just behind a desk. Whether you do 4 - 6 or 20 years will be you're choice. Start with four years (min) if you'd rather be a civilian than you can pull the plug after your first term - but you will then be known as a Veteran from that point on! You can join the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign War's (VFW) we are always lookin for Members! Big discount's and many day's telling stories of your time in the service! Good Luck Gal's Drop me a line if you enlist (I'm on Patriotfiles.com) my handle - Boats I'm a VFW Member Post 6448 - Dyer, IN - Boats |
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:51 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.