1st woman takes charge of Army's drill sergeants
I liked this story:
1st woman takes charge of Army's drill sergeants by Susanne M. Schafer and AP. The article states that Command Sgt Major Teresa King is 48 and unmarried. If the Sgt Major were male, would that be stated?
I do like the story but I also noticed it had a bit of a Donna Reed undercurrent:
Command Sgt. Maj. Teresa King can dress down a burly, battle-hardened sergeant in seconds with a sharp phrase and a withering look, then turn around and tell trainee soldiers to be sure they get seven hours of sleep.
It this were about CSM Tom King, would they write that, even if true? Or this:
"She's got this unique way of dealing with soldiers where she can be correcting them, but it's in a manner that they're wanting to please her and wanting to do the right thing," he said. "It's not degrading to them."
That statement is by her battalion commander, Lt Col Dave Wood. I'm not criticizing Wood, you can tell he means that as a compliment, but would he say the same thing about a male CSM?
And what does this matter?:
A touch of bright red lipstick and kohl-dark eyeliner doesn't soften her stern gaze when she spots a sheet corner not properly tucked or a young soldier with a uniform askew.
Overall the article is positive and I enjoyed it. I'm not much of a feminist but the above strikes me as condescending and pointless.
Still in the process of moving. New date is October 3.