[Non-Sequitur]

Physically LESS qualified since the rules are NOT equal. Argue 'til doomsday, but unless the rules are the same, the outcome is biased.

The Navy doesn't win wars by arm-wrestling their opponents. Academic and professional standards are the same and that is what will make or break the officer. Now, if the Navy ever decides to lower it's standards and put brawn ahead of brain then they'll know just where to find you, won't they?

[GAB-1955]

Absolutely. Brains and nerve count in the Navy and the Coast Guard. There's always going to be some big hulking goon to haul around the M203s, but most of the work is done by electrons these days.

I have no problem with female officers. I definitely have no problem with female chief petty officers. Like all good, sensible people, I run and hide from them when they come down the passageway with blood in their eyes...

[BritExPatInFla]

Bingo. We have a winner. If she were unqualified, academically, she'd be in another branch...You know, the ones the Navy hauls around. :D

Kudos to this fine officer, with fine credentials on a job well deserved.

To the knee jerk "P.C." whiners....Woman or not, she could probably still take you. ;)