My Navy Too: A Political Novel Based on Real Life Experiences

Rating:
Summary: "MNT" A catalyst for change of perspective.
Review: As a middle class, under educated, white male: It is neigh on impossible for me to compete with the highly professional reviews previously submitted by such an impressive array of readers. Never the less; perhaps my perspective, as a former enlisted RD1, Naval Instructor, Recruiter and retired police lieutenant, may serve to reinforce the importance and impact of "My Navy Too" in causing others of similar backgrounds to rethink their position on the issues addressed by CDR. Coye.

Through out my entire career, I've never entertained the notion that women were, or should be considered, second class citizens. On the issue of "Gays in the military" however, I must admit to ambivalent feelings.

My concerns were never related to antipathy toward gays, but rather security risks and unit cohesion. With women and gays, housing/berthing, on naval vessels were of major concern.

With the "Outing" of many gays, the security issue seems to have been put to rest. If they "Come out" the specter of black mail should no longer exist. As for the rest; I agree with the author, that job performance, and any overt conduct that detracts from it, should be the sole criteria for disciplinary action, retention and fitness reports. Merit, training prerequisites and the physical ability to perform the tasks, required of a particular career path, should be the only controlling factors in recruitment and advancement.

MNT is a well written, thought-provoking tract. It should be required reading for all, students and executives alike. The exclusion of so much talent and skill from mainstream America can only perpetuate the continued "Dumbing down" of our country and its great institutions, military and civilian.

My thanks to the author for both "MNT" and her arduous devotion to duty, honor, country.

George W. Dean Akron, Ohio 1/11/99 USN '57-'66

Rating:
Summary: Excellent personal and political story of women in the navy
Review: Highly readable account of the trials and triumphs women have been experiencing in the U.S. Navy in the last 40 years. The book is written as a series of letters that follow the chronology of personal, professional, political, and social events between friends, family and colleagues. This method of writing allows the reader to see many facets of the events that unfold. The letters in the book were written by different authors and this lends authentic personal style and perspective to the stories. I came away caring about the people, understanding better the navy way of life, and empathizing with the dilemmas of the main character, Tucker. One comes to understand her honor of the navy and thus feels as she does the betrayal by the enduring chauvinism, fear, and short-sightedness. Highly recommended!!

Rating:
Summary: Good history and story but poor officer attitude
Review: I enjoyed the historical perspective of reading about female officers a decade before I came along. The unique letter format of this book is well done and easy to follow, if a bit too long. But the whiny attitude got to me. It seems the protagonist spent her whole career thinking about her future and running to her admiral buddy for help. She also slams naval aviators. For those interested in learning about the next generation of female Navy officers, my memoir, "Navy Greenshirt: A Leader Made, Not Born," offers a different perspective. "My Navy Too" does not represent all women officers.

Rating:
Summary: OUR Navy needs to come of age....
Review: I was very impressed with the author's writing style. Her story is one that needs to be told and she shows much courage in the telling. The Navy, like all our institutions, must move into the 21st Century and away from the "good ol' boy" management style that has prevailed far too long. Beth Coye gives a sound and eloquent discussion of the problems involved. Her story draws the reader in with each event. She is to be applauded for her fine book. I recommend it highly.

[e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: A Damn Good Read
Review: I'd call this a fictionalized memoir, allowing the author to take some liberties with her characters. The lives of the author, Commander Coye, and her lead character, Tucker Fairfield, seem to run in parallel. The inclusion of letters from friends and family brings out many political perspectives about the navy and in some degree the rest of the military, adding greatly to the read. Though many readers will have diverse opinions about the various issues raised, Coye is to be admired regarding the way these issues are handled. Those of us who were in the navy during those years can truthfully disagree with few of the author's conclusions. Women were second class personnel, very limited in their careers. Things are better today and career paths are much more open. Military gays and lesbians were, and still are, open to blackmail, not because of their military performance, but because of policy. Yet today the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is, as Tucker says, a wrong headed one-I firmly believe it's an ostrich approach to a fact of life. Gays and lesbians can and do honorably serve their country, so why this unpolicy hanging over their heads daily? Commander Coye has done a masterful job creating a book that should be required reading for any young person going into the military. Young women can see that the past wasn't roses and young men can learn why new policies concerning equality in the ranks are in place. I would strongly recommend this book. In plain terms, It's a Damn Good Read! Tom Williams, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S.Navy, Retired