A female member of the National Guard military police unit was demoted this month for indecent exposure after pictures of her mud wrestling were given to one of her commanders, according to an Associated Press article. The pictures also were released to a New York newspaper that published the photos.
The pictures were taken of 19-year-old Deanna Allen at a party on Oct. 30, as the woman’s battalion was taking over for their predecessors at Camp Bucca in Iraq. The party was out of sight of all prisoners, according to the article. Allen’s penalty was a demotion from specialist to private first class, and the other participating members of her battalion received counseling. In a statement, Allen’s mother said her daughter was coerced by other soldiers to participate in the wrestling.
| The Issue A female National Guard member was demoted after pictures were taken of her mud wrestling. |
Allen’s behavior should not have been so severely punished. Troops are sent to Iraq for extended periods of time, and what they do when off-duty and out of sight of prisoners is up to their own discretion.
Furthermore, Allen’s punishment exemplifies the double standard that exists in the military. While men who participated in the party received only counseling, she was forced to pay an undeserved harsh penalty. In the Armed Forces, women are supposed to be desexualized. However, they are punished for behaving like their male counterparts.
As American troops continue to occupy Iraq, our attention should be spent on things other than mud wrestling parties. The party these particular soldiers threw should not garner punishment, nor should it garner the attention of our national media.
