Can midgets serve in the military?

Can Midgets Serve in the Military?

Introduction

The question of whether individuals with dwarfism, also known as little people, can serve in the military is a complex one. While there are no explicit height requirements for military service, there are other factors that can impact a person’s ability to serve. In this article, we will explore the possibilities and challenges faced by individuals with dwarfism when it comes to military service.

Historical Perspective

Prior to the 1990s, there were few opportunities for little people to serve in the military. Many military branches had strict height requirements, making it difficult for individuals with dwarfism to enlist. However, in the 1990s, the military began to recognize the value of diversity and inclusivity. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, making it illegal to discriminate against individuals with disabilities, including those with dwarfism.

Current Military Policies

Today, the military has policies in place to support individuals with dwarfism who want to serve. The US Department of Defense (DoD) has a program called "Diversity and Inclusion" which aims to increase diversity and reduce barriers to service. This program includes initiatives to attract and retain individuals with disabilities, including those with dwarfism.

Height Requirements

While there are no explicit height requirements for military service, individuals with dwarfism may still face challenges in certain areas. For example, the US Army requires recruits to be at least 60 inches (152 cm) tall to enlist, although this requirement is waived for individuals with prosthetic limbs or other physical disabilities. The US Marine Corps, on the other hand, has a height requirement of at least 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) for both men and women.

Challenges Faced by Little People in the Military

Despite the efforts of the military to increase diversity and inclusivity, little people may still face unique challenges in the military. These challenges include:

• Access to equipment: Many military vehicles and equipment are designed with average-height individuals in mind, making it difficult for little people to use them effectively.
• Communication: Communication can be a challenge in the military, particularly for little people who may not be able to reach buttons, handles, or other controls on equipment.
• Medical considerations: Individuals with dwarfism may require special medical considerations, such as specialized equipment or modifications to vehicles, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
• Stigma and prejudice: Unfortunately, there may still be a stigma associated with dwarfism in some military circles, which can make it difficult for little people to integrate into their units.

Success Stories

Despite the challenges, there are many success stories of little people who have served in the military with distinction. These individuals have overcome the challenges they faced and have contributed to the military in a meaningful way.

• Airman 1st Class Donald Washington: In 1993, Airman Washington became the first little person to serve in the US Air Force. He went on to serve for 20 years and retired with the rank of senior master sergeant.
• Corporal John Hartwell: In 2002, Corporal Hartwell became the first little person to serve in the US Marine Corps. He went on to serve for 10 years and was honorably discharged.
• Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamie Fick: In 2010, Petty Officer Fick became the first little person to serve in the US Navy. He has served for over 10 years and has received several commendations for his service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are still challenges faced by little people who want to serve in the military, the answer to the question "Can midgets serve in the military?" is yes. With the right policies and support, individuals with dwarfism can overcome the challenges they face and serve with distinction in the military. As we move forward, it is important that we continue to promote diversity and inclusivity in the military, recognizing the unique contributions that all individuals, regardless of their height, can make.

Appendix

Recommendations for Future Research

• Further research is needed to better understand the experiences of little people in the military, including the challenges they face and the successes they achieve.
• Researchers should investigate ways to reduce barriers to service for individuals with dwarfism, including modifications to equipment and procedures.
• Future studies should also examine the impact of diversity and inclusivity initiatives on military effectiveness and overall well-being.