When I first saw the story making the rounds about ROTC cadets being forced to march in women’s shoes I thought it was a hoax. But I see that the Washington Times has picked up the story and has a photo from a similar march at a different university showing ROTC men marching in uniform wearing red high heels. The caption under the picture reads:
ROTC cadets participate in a “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event held at Temple University on April 1, 2015.
While the date of the Temple photo is (suspiciously) April first, the date of the Times article is April 21st. The Temple march also shows up on April first on the event calendar for the organization, so the photo appears to be legitimate (although perhaps somewhat misleading). As the Times mentions this isn’t a new event for the Army, and I was able to find a photo on army.mil of U.S. men in uniform marching in high heels in Germany back in 2011:
“We are here to raise awareness,” said Capt. Lonnie Colbert, company commander for Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade. “Raising awareness ensures our Soldiers are educated on the subject to better take care of our families and always be ready to deploy and take care of each other. We want our spouses to thrive while they are back home waiting for their Soldiers.”
It still hasn’t been confirmed that the recent ROTC event was really mandatory, so I would take the claim with a grain of salt until proven. According to this article a spokesman from US Army Cadet Command (commanded by Major General Peggy C. Combs) confirmed that the ROTC detachments were directed to participate in the event, but marching in women’s shoes was not mandatory:
I contacted the US Army Cadet Command and asked them about this. I received a response from the command public affairs officer, Mister Mike Johnson. According to Mr. Johnson, ROTC detachments were directed to participate in university activities that focus on reducing sexual assault. No instructions were given on how they were to participate. Participation by cadets was not mandatory and no directive was given to penalize absent cadets. According to Mr. Johnson, only 15 or so cadets at Temple participated as the walk was held during class hours. The Army did not require the purchase of high heels and is looking into that question.
Either way, the ugly feminist compulsion to extinguish manly pride is on full display.
Edit: Welcome Instapundit readers.
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