Idea that Military Should Be Physically Fit Assailed [semi-satire]

Semi-News/Semi-Satire ^ | 5 October 2025 | John Semmens

[Night Hides Not]

I was lucky, as I served in a composite Chaparral/Towed Vulcan battalion in Germany from 77-81. Women were barred from these units, as our primary mission was short range air defense for infantry and armored divisions.

In 78-79, women were allowed to serve in Nike Hercules batteries, it was devastating to morale. E5's and E6's were forced back into the barracks, because the facilities weren't "suitable" for women. Female privates were allowed to live off base, which was obviously preferable to them.

I was a HQs battery commander at Fort Bliss from 83-84, i.e. "clerks and cooks." I led PT every day (5 days a week): 20 minutes of calisthenics followed by a 2 mile run in formation. Our pass rate on the PT test was nearly 99%, 5 failed the first time (out of 300+). Those 5 passed on their retake.

Women were not suited for Chaparral duty. Each missile weighed 196 pounds. I often jumped in to help out on missile reloading, as we were short on bodies most of the time. I was chided by an evaluator, because "officers weren't supposed to get involved." Of course, that was entirely a bunch of BS.

We're about a month away from Veterans Day: thanks for your service.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

thanks for your service.

Same back at you. I never worked harder, intellectually and physically in my life, but honestly, I got more out of my two years in the Army than I put in.

[GingisK]

None of us were allowed to have a gun. We could use only a weapon.

[ansel12]

The old guys don’t have to do much to pass their low standard.