“Contrary to what movies, TV programs, comic books, and video games might indicate, armor that leaves everything but a few choice points of female anatomy uncovered actually endangers the wearer,” read the complaint.
Tzeelim Base, Negev Desert, February 5 – As the country’s police force grapples with a crippling number of senior commanders investigated of indicted for various sex-related violations, members of the Israel Defense Force’s all-female cheerleading unit are voicing concerns that the male-dominated military establishment treats them with sexism.
Two hundred officers and servicewomen signed a statement this week charging that the senior leadership of the IDF betrays discriminatory attitudes toward the members of the Female Regiment for Erotic CHeering of Activities (FRECHA), whose duties consist mainly of using their sex appeal in an organized fashion to enhance Israelis’ vocal support for military operations in progress, in an effort to elevate and maintain Home Front morale. The group addressed their statement to various high-ranking officers, including incoming Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, through normal military channels, but the letter was apparently leaked to reporters along the way. Military officials have yet to comment on that breach, as the substance of the complaint has attracted much more attention.
The letter, which FRECHA servicewomen have confirmed is authentic, delineates more than a dozen areas in which the women of the regiment experience sexism. The most egregious one involves uniforms and body armor that only cover small portions of the torso and midsection, leaving the rest of the FRECHA’s bodies exposed to enemy fire. “Contrary to what movies, TV programs, comic books, and video games might indicate, armor that leaves everything but a few choice points of female anatomy uncovered actually endangers the wearer,” read the complaint. “We more than suspect that the design of the uniforms for our unit is driven by something other than a sincere concern for our safety in combat support operations, which clearly differs from the treatment accorded other military personnel.”
A second complaint charges that while other units, especially the primarily-male combat units, are issued adequate winter gear, including padded, insulated, full-body coverings called “dubonim” in military parlance, FRECHA’s winter allotment consists of little more than a set of transparent pantyhose and slightly fuzzier edges to the regular two-piece uniform. The boots issued to FRECHA serve poorly in cold, wet, weather, presenting both a slipping hazard and a health risk. “The difference in standard equipment for this women’s unit betrays the discriminatory assumption that its members, in contrast to male soldiers, have no need for proper shielding from the elements.”
Other instances of sexism that the letter alleges include a lack of recognition for the physical demands of FRECHA duties. “Cheerleading can be as physically challenging as any other activity, yet our unit is given no recognition for the athletic achievement necessary to perform our regular duties,” assert the complainants.
IDF brass have not formally addressed the statement. A spokesman for the General Staff said they were waiting for those who submitted the letter to include photographs of themselves in uniform, as per protocol.
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