Female Soldiers Can Succeed

Recently a female soldier left a comment on one of my previous articles. She had said that females are not any different than males in the Army. Though I really wish that were true, it just isn't- the other soldiers just won't allow it. I found that I couldn't respond in just a few sentences, so I'm going to hammer out my response in this article.

My kneejerk reaction to her comment

First, Who said that it's bad for females to be different than males?

Second, it is a known fact that males, in general, have the aptitude for more muscle and endurance capability than females. HOWEVER, this is not an excuse to allow females to stay weak.

Third, if a female works and makes herself stronger on many levels, she can whop virtually any male, in the military or not. She can create an aptitude for more muscle and endurance capability that can rival most males.

1. Hard work
2. DISCIPLINE
3. Mental strength
4. Optimism (a.k.a "can-do" attitude)
5. Never Give Up

Now, let me address ingredient number one: Being in the Army should be hard work for anyone and everyone. Yet a female needs to work harder still. Physical Training (PT) is a must. This PT will include a lot of running, upper and lower body workouts that turn you into jello, and a work ethic that keeps you going like the Energizer Bunny. To keep the energy going and going make sure that everything you consume is just what your body needs. So eat right.

Ingredient number two: In order to make "Hard Work" a reality, you must make Discipline a lifelong mantra and ritual. Discipline is what will keep a person's mind and body lethal sharp and combat ready. Never allow yourself to get as soft as the nextdoor neighbor's beer belly or as flabby as that person's love handles. Don't allow your concentration to stray, keep your goal in sight and gun for it.

Ingredient number three: If a person doesn't have a brain cell in his/her head, life and its decisions can be more difficult than it should be. Exercising the mind and expanding one's knowledge is a great way to sharpen oneself into a great soldier. Keep on learning and the information retained will be of assistance in the future.

Ingredient number four: A "can-do" attitude is a must. The males in the Army, even the females come to think of it, don't like a whiner. Confidence is an asset in the Army, so keep it wrapped around you like a warm blanket; optimism is a life preserver that can save your skin in many tight spots.

Ingredient number five: NEVER GIVE UP. It is the pessimistic attitude that never allows for success. If the pessimism starts creeping in, then the resistance in the battle begins to wane and all hope and goals will plummet into the deep. Dig your feet in and move forward because nothing of worth is ever gained when you give way to pessimism.

It's really amazing how many times I've encountered a male soldier who immediately thinks the worst of me. I can tell you that it's always a euphoric feeling when I succeed or do better in something than them. It tells me that my work is paying off, and it tells them that they have way too many preconceived notions and that maybe they should start trying harder since I may just leave them in the dust.

In addition, there are many females who will judge you negatively. As of yet, I still don't have very many female friends in my unit. It just takes time. Though, I will say this: the female friends I do have in the Army, I will have for life. That counts for something, doesn't it?

Yep, for now. I wrote this specific article before I went on deployment; it has been almost three full years since I have written on Hubpages. I apologize for the long wait.

In an upcoming article, I will answer the most common questions I have received. Hopefully it will be helpful for those of you who are making decisions, and for those of you who have Basic Training coming up.