Friday, February 7, 2014

Gone soft...

I found this photo circulating about Facebook and was almost compelled to comment but given there's a high population of uneducated people lurking about in cyberspace I thought it best to confine my comments to my seldom read blog lest I get inundated with belligerent rants. 

First and foremost I'm entirely in favor of women breast feeding in public. Sure discretion should be taken if at all possible but I understand when it's feeding time it's feeding time. But I will say I have a bit of an issue with this gratuitous photo and the message it sends. 

"Back in my day" the military, well at least the Army, had very strick rules on public behavior.  PDA (public displays of affection) was essentially forbidden. No hand holding, hugging or kissing, with the exception of the congratulatory kiss from your wife as you were being promoted.  They were also very strick on the wear and presentation of the uniform. If I were to step outside without my "cover" (hat) I was considered out of uniform and would be severely reprimanded. One had to constantly watch your "gig line" and no loose threads or dangling laces. I understand and appreciate the military moms serving our country today and the need to tend to their children to include breast feeding but in my "old school" opinion the women in this photo are out of uniform, plain and simple. 

See, the problem today is that the Army and all military services have gone soft. I'm not saying there aren't brave souls out there serving and protecting this great country but I am saying we've caved to the public pressure to place the needs of the individual soldier over that of the entire service.  When I joined the Army, and even back when my father served, it was clearly understood by all those who raised their right hands that we willingly and gratefully forfeited the personal rights we were charged to defend. Before we were husbands and fathers we were soldiers.  I recall being told "If the Army wanted you to have a family they would've issued you one!"  We all understood that, accepted that and tried to balance a family life that wasn't well endorsed by the military. In those days spouses and children really did suffer, so much more than any military family does now.  

I would like to think the Army would be the last great bastion of selfless discipline, sacrifice and commitment to something larger than ourselves but it too has fallen prey to those that seek to place the selfish needs of one over the greater good of all.  We are overly concerned of infringing on the feelings of our citizen soldiers that we make concessions for any and all types of behavior.  

By all means breast feed in public with as much gusto and abandonment as you will. Just don't do it in uniform.  Don't degrade the uniform in order to satisfy a personal need.  Believe it or not, you're a soldier first and a mother second. If you have issue with that then seek another profession.  I truly commend you for your willingness to wear the uniform on our behalf but being in the Army isn't just some ordinary profession.  It truly is about putting your service and your country above yourself and your uniform is a symbol of that ultimate sacrifice.  

Wear it with pride. Wear it with dignity.