TOPEKA, Kan. – An Army National Guard soldier who is also the reigning Miss Kansas is taking exception to an internal Army email suggesting photos of attractive women should be avoided as the military works to attract women to combat roles.
According to Politico, which first reported the email's contents this week, Col. Lynnette Arnhart stated that "average-looking women" should be used over more attractive women in Army promotional materials.
Theresa Vail, who is the reigning Miss Kansas, said on Friday that Arnhart's comments reflected entrenched stereotypes that attractive women aren't competent enough to serve in combat or other military roles.
An Army spokesman did not dispute the email but said Arnhart's comments were part of an internal discussion and don't reflect official Army policy.
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