The military is forced to accept women in combat and like it, due to the requirements of the civilian leadership. The militay doesn't have the option of saying 'no women in combat' or 'we need more men'. That kind of debate isn't allowed. You'd have to talk to congress and President Bush about a changing their position, but don't hold your breath.
What this means is that the Army and Marines are saddled with women in roles that will put them into direct combat, even if they are non-combatant MOSs. No ammount of spin will change the fact that women are a hinderance in combat. Period. Full stop. They can be as effective as men in support roles that don't require heavy lifting, but otherwise are a complete liablility.
Why does the pretty young former POW get all the attention while the crippled single mother gets none? Because the military has been ordered to ignore the truth in favor of the myth, and any officer who tried to oppose it would be commiting career suicide. Political BS, all the way.
This perfectly describes Soviet Red Army. They were experts in telling nonsense and expecting the entire world to believe them. Only those in captivity and those deprived of common sense did. In final analysis,Red Army crumbled under the weight of lies.
If history can teach us anything, this is NOT a good model to follow.
And that is exactly what Pentagon is doing.
Without intent to start a flame war, with SAVING PRIVATE LYNCH myth Pentagon managed to score propaganda points with domestic audience and made a fool of itself in world opinion.
Pentagon has to reveal the truth about SAVING PRIVATE LYNCH in order to allow officers to get rid of the myths.
Because Myth-making has the power to ruin the Army.