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Don’t call my medals ‘bling’

Re: Military – Shorter skirts, disaster relief and highlighting medals as ‘bling’ might bring more women in, Feb. 10.

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How disheartening it was to read David Pugliese’s article on how to attract more women into the Canadian military.

Some in the military had initially suggested promoting medals as “bling” – which would certainly have lessened the pride felt from any medal earned. I served for 20 years and earned my medal when deployed to Rwanda. I would have been extremely offended if at any time it were referred to as “bling.”

Wearing a shorter, more fitted skirt will not have women flocking to recruiting centres; most of the time, combats are the dress of the day. These ideas couldn’t be any more sexist.

If you want to entice women into the military, start by asking the ones already serving what changes they would like to see. Promote the technical trades; opportunities for career progression (it still seems male-dominated); affordable base housing, especially for the junior ranks; free parking at their place of employment when posted to places such as Ottawa; longer postings in one place for those who may want more stability once they start families; financial child care assistance for single parents with preschool children.