Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.
A CONTROVERSIAL WOMAN
Lotti Degurechaff describes a woman's rise through the ranks
Military editor Erwin Holst interviewed controversial Bergenheimer General Lotti Degurechaff at her headquarters in Midweis to discuss her thoughts on women in the armed forces of her country.
Erwin Holst: Thank you for receiving me today, General Degurechaff. Elben is a country with universal conscription for all physically able men with women able enlist in non-combat auxiliary services. What kind of role do you see for women in the military? Support roles? Roles in combat that do not demand brute strength such as pilots?
Lotti Degurechaff: Mmm, I have never identified myself as a feminist. I think anyone who can achieve what the role demands should have that role. Your will is more important than your junk. As the first woman to join the Jagdkommando, I can confirm that brute strength is not the sole qualifier of a combat role. If you think of yourself as a woman you’ll always fail. You have to exceed all limitations and expectations, and believe you are more than human. A smile.
EH: Would you describe your philosophy in life is purely one of a will to power? Do you read philosophy? Any preferred reading?
LD: My favorite philosophy book is 7 Highly Effective Habits. I am aware of more… esoteric material on the subject, but I have seen little cause to believe there is anything mystical about the universe; they say there's no atheists in foxholes, but what kind of god puts men there in the first place?
EH: Circling back to the role of women, have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt unable to fulfill your role as a soldier? In combat, there are always tricks one can use when against someone bigger and stronger, but in other jobs of the infantry, not so much. Lugging gear? Carrying wounded? Long term endurance where studies have shown women's bodies are just not as able to keep going as men's?
LD: It is true, that there is an upper limit that a frail female body simply cannot reach, a height at the absolute maximum that a prime male might reach. In such situations, I have found it helpful to rely on performance enhancers to push beyond natural limitations when necessary. Of course, that is only in the extremes. Most men can't even reach that situation, let alone women.
EH: How have you worked to overcome male instincts to protect women and promote good order in the ranks?
LD: A little laugh. I have not experienced much in the way of any male instinct to protect women, my dear. I have found that it was easy enough to present as a sort of weaker male, and when challenged, to hold my own in such a situation. I have been fortunate to have understanding officers who have respected my achievements, and to have a precedent that I followed. The first female general in Bergenheim was not me, but Andrea Grossman in 1972.
EH: General, we appreciate your time. Thank you.
A CONTROVERSIAL WOMAN
Lotti Degurechaff describes a woman's rise through the ranks
Military editor Erwin Holst interviewed controversial Bergenheimer General Lotti Degurechaff at her headquarters in Midweis to discuss her thoughts on women in the armed forces of her country.
Erwin Holst: Thank you for receiving me today, General Degurechaff. Elben is a country with universal conscription for all physically able men with women able enlist in non-combat auxiliary services. What kind of role do you see for women in the military? Support roles? Roles in combat that do not demand brute strength such as pilots?
Lotti Degurechaff: Mmm, I have never identified myself as a feminist. I think anyone who can achieve what the role demands should have that role. Your will is more important than your junk. As the first woman to join the Jagdkommando, I can confirm that brute strength is not the sole qualifier of a combat role. If you think of yourself as a woman you’ll always fail. You have to exceed all limitations and expectations, and believe you are more than human. A smile.
EH: Would you describe your philosophy in life is purely one of a will to power? Do you read philosophy? Any preferred reading?
LD: My favorite philosophy book is 7 Highly Effective Habits. I am aware of more… esoteric material on the subject, but I have seen little cause to believe there is anything mystical about the universe; they say there's no atheists in foxholes, but what kind of god puts men there in the first place?
EH: Circling back to the role of women, have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt unable to fulfill your role as a soldier? In combat, there are always tricks one can use when against someone bigger and stronger, but in other jobs of the infantry, not so much. Lugging gear? Carrying wounded? Long term endurance where studies have shown women's bodies are just not as able to keep going as men's?
LD: It is true, that there is an upper limit that a frail female body simply cannot reach, a height at the absolute maximum that a prime male might reach. In such situations, I have found it helpful to rely on performance enhancers to push beyond natural limitations when necessary. Of course, that is only in the extremes. Most men can't even reach that situation, let alone women.
EH: How have you worked to overcome male instincts to protect women and promote good order in the ranks?
LD: A little laugh. I have not experienced much in the way of any male instinct to protect women, my dear. I have found that it was easy enough to present as a sort of weaker male, and when challenged, to hold my own in such a situation. I have been fortunate to have understanding officers who have respected my achievements, and to have a precedent that I followed. The first female general in Bergenheim was not me, but Andrea Grossman in 1972.
EH: General, we appreciate your time. Thank you.
