To the men that came before me

I made a choice, not fully understanding the fullness of what I would be sacrificing.

I signed my name on that dotted line same as you, fully realizing I was possibly

Signing my death certificate.

What I did not realize, was that this decision would send me into a world where I would

Be less than equal to those around me.

To my brothers in arms, you disappoint me.

To my sisters in arms, never cower in their presence.

These few men that corrupted this legendary system have overpowered the noble actions

Of the many.

I have completed the same training, gone through the same hardships, conquered the same enemies.

So, tell me, why should I have to fight harder than you for these supposed rights that we are all born with in the eyes of our founding fathers?

Why am I treated as an imbecile when I have scored higher on every test, past you on every physical fitness score?

Why? When I have surpassed you, not once but three times in promotions, must I still fight for your respect?

Even when giving orders I am forced to defend every action I make and provide evidence for every thought I have.

To get things done I have had to become an ass. To be listened to I am forced to scream.

I have been forced to become the worst type of human to earn the bare minimum of your attention.

I can no longer show emotion in your presence, weakness is never an option.

I must grit my teeth and remain silent as “Bitch” and “Cunt” are hurled back in my face.

When marching, carrying an 80-pound ruck on my back and a 22-pound M249 cradled in my arms, I lead the squad hearing “pathetic” and “weak woman” because I dared to let my brow sweat.

And Why? Please tell me that after all this you feel the incomprehensible need to take the last shred of life a woman has left in this line of work: her body.

That is all you men do, is take.

You took my pride, you took her dignity, and you took her body.

 So tell me… If you were raised by a woman how did this one uniform turn you into a monster?