Cord Byrd: “the case of Air Force 1st Lt. Kelly Flinn has highlighted the need for an independent review of gender relations in the…”

“the case of Air Force 1st Lt. Kelly Flinn has highlighted the need for an independent review of gender relations in the services. First, I think the publicity about this case has served as an understandable impetus for all of us to speak our minds on this issue. That is, I think, useful, in that relations among the sexes in the military obviously need a thorough, independent review in light of the scandals that have emerged in recent months. It is imperative though, that as we review the rules regarding gender relations in the military, we keep our eye on the ball. The ball is that the goal should always be the most effective, combat-ready, disciplined, tough fighting force that the Nation can field. Effectiveness, discipline, unit cohesion and morale cannot ever take a second place to any other value, since the premier responsibility of the military is the national security of our Nation. If gender relations must take a back seat to that goal, that is as it should be. In the case of Lieutenant Flinn, the military justice system has tried to do its work, in spite of all the comment and publicity attendant to this case.”