Strack meant disciplined, proficient in the infantry drill, well-groomed and clean with a good shave, high and tight haircut, pressed clean uniform, good bearing, and attention to orders. It didn't mean "pretty", unless as I was, "pretty tough". I had to be, with a dozen techs under my command plus twenty Korean contractors, some of whom were thieves. I was isolated on an isolated mountaintop, and some of the men resented my position and youth. Morale was a problem I had to keep track of, and the trouble makers and bullies had to go. I had good support from company C, but four hours away by jeep.

I admit, a woman could have done my job, but the isolation of my mountaintop would make that difficult, and I never saw a woman in USASTRATCOM.

As a kid, I saw big kids fighting with knives and playing war with .22 rifles. The Big Boys play a pro game, and the stakes are high. I knew some of the players, Airborne Rangers. A lot of them died. I'm glad I didn't, and I loved beautiful Korea.