Cord Byrd: “the recent scandals and confusion concerning gender relations in our armed forces demonstrate a clear need to review the…”

“the recent scandals and confusion concerning gender relations in our armed forces demonstrate a clear need to review the experiences, practices, regulations and laws regarding these matters as soon as possible. The nation has been treated to a range of incidents and official responses, from the cases of abuse of authority at the Aberdeen training facility and other military bases in the nation, to the controversy over the treatment of Air Force First Lieutenant Kelly Flinn, and that of flag officers in the different services. A comprehensive independent review is needed on the full range of these issues, and I am pleased that the Armed Service Committee adopted a proposal of mine, which was co-authored by Senators Kempthorne and Cleland, of the personnel subcommittee, and supported by the full Committee, to establish an independent commission to work on this matter. The commission proposal is included as Section 552 of the bill. In summary, the provision establishes an 11 member commission to study issues related to gender integration.”