“What we absolutely will not do is seek staff advice from a talk show host,” Kirby said.
Carlson commented while discussing a Chinese initiative to increase “masculinity” among his military ranks.
“While China’s army is becoming more masculine as it puts together the largest navy in the world, our army, as Joe Biden says, needs to become more feminine – which means feminine, as men and women no longer exist,” he said. “The bottom line is that it’s out of control, and the Pentagon is going along with it. Again, this is a mockery of the U.S. military and its nuclear mission, which wins wars. ‘
Mr Kirby said the Department of Defense was not interested in Carlson’s comments or the tactics of the troops being used by the Chinese military.
“Maybe the people feel like they have something to prove, it’s up to them,” he said. Kirby said. “We know we are the greatest army in the world today, and even for all the things we need to improve.”
Mr Kirby further said that the US military is ‘better and more effective’ if it is representative of all US people.
Carlson’s comments caused a backlash among military and veteran groups, many of whom pointed out that the Fox News host never served in the military.
Rep. Mike Sherrill, who had previously flown helicopters into the U.S. Navy, criticized Carlson for his comments.
“I have served with women who have risked their lives to protect our country. “Tucker did not,” Mr Sherrill said. “While he demeans those who serve, our army remains the best fighting force, largely due to our wonderful maids.”
Scott Stalker, the senior designated leader of the U.S. Space Command who has been serving for 28 years, said Carlson’s comments were little more than ‘drama TV’ and rejected his criticism because it was based on ‘actually zero days’ of military service.
“These decisions have been made by medical professions, by commanders and our civic leadership, which makes it possible for women to have more time with their children to recover, to be fit and ready,” he said. Stalker said.