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The real issue surrounding Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo’s controversial pregnancy policy actually has nothing to do with pregnancy, but rather personal and professional responsibility.

Cucolo recognized a problem within his command and took steps to address his concerns. That’s his responsibility as commander of Multi-National Division—North. The policy he authored did not treat male or female soldiers differently, but rather held both halves responsible for their conduct.

Let’s not forget that the soldiers involved in this controversy are responsible for their own conduct. They undoubtedly knew what the end result of their actions could be. In acting on their base instincts, they abrogated their responsibilities to their fellow soldiers, their unit and the Army. Moreover, their conduct could easily be described as selfish.

All the side issues about contraceptives failing, injuries requiring evacuation and restricted reporting of sexual assault are nothing more than red herrings. In the final analysis, none of them has anything to do with a soldier taking personal and professional responsibility for his or her actions.

We all have an obligation to uphold our ethical and professional responsibilities as soldiers serving the nation. These responsibilities must transcend our desire for self-gratification, regardless of how we cloak them.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 James F. HirtBaghdad

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