Advocates for female troops see Trump allegations as disturbing, disqualifying

Campaign staffers for both Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton met with military advocacy groups in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Germano said she broached the topic of assault and harassment at that event, but walked away dissatisfied with Trump surrogates’ responses.

SWAN officials have met with Clinton staffers in recent months to discuss her views on opportunities for women in the military, and have expressed support for her comments lauding integration of women into combat units.

In contrast, the Republican platform approved earlier this summer includes language supporting “the advancement of women in the military” but opposing their inclusion in ground combat units.

Germano said in an internal poll of its members earlier this summer, the overwhelming majority of members favored Clinton’s plans on female service member issues to Trump’s.
“With the cultural issues in the military now, in some branches more than others, it is disturbing to think that this would be the individual we would call commander in chief, be able to look him in the face and believe he is fully committed to making sure women are treated with dignity and respect,” she said.

More than 800,000 women serve in active-duty, National Guard and reserve roles.

Last month’s Military Times/Institute for Veterans and Military Families Poll of service members showed male troops supporting Trump over Clinton by a 39 percent to 15 percent margin, but female troops favoring him by a 27 percent to 23 percent margin.