Free Republic

Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston announced Sgt. Sherri Gallagher as the Soldier of the Year at a ceremony held at the annual Association of the United States Army convention Oct. 25. This is the first time a female has earned Soldier of the Year since the competition’s inception. Gallagher, an instructor and marksmanship competitor with the Army, spent nearly a year competing before being honored. The competition consists of physical training, battle drills, weapons proficiency, medical tasks and detainee operations. “It was a huge honor,” Gallagher said. “The competition was amazing, and now I go wherever the...

Army chiefs face the nightmare prospect of having to consider their soldiers' childcare problems before giving them orders. The devastating blow follows a successful sex discrimination claim brought by a single mother. Tilern DeBique, 28, says she was forced to leave the Army because she was expected to be available for duty around the clock. She was formally disciplined when she failed to appear on parade because she had to look after her daughter. She was told the Army was a 'war-fighting machine' and 'unsuitable for a single mother who couldn't sort out her childcare arrangements'.

Maxim Features Models From Israeli Army Maxim Features Models From Israeli Army; Many in Israel Call It Inappropriate By MATTI FRIEDMAN The Associated Press JERUSALEM A new public relations effort by Israel's New York consulate wants the country known less for its conflict with the Palestinians or for its myriad holy sites than for its beautiful women in uniform. Or, more accurately, out of uniform. A spread in the upcoming July issue of Maxim features a roster of Israeli models, all ex-soldiers, photographed wearing very little in the cause of their country. Headlined "Women of the Israel Defense Forces," the...