My Navy Too: A Political Novel Based on Real Life Experiences

I was very impressed with the author's writing style. Her story is one that needs to be told and she shows much courage in the telling. The Navy, like all our institutions, must move into the 21st Century and away from the "good ol' boy" management style that has prevailed far too long. Beth Coye gives a sound and eloquent discussion of the problems involved. Her story draws the reader in with each event. She is to be applauded for her fine book. I recommend it [email protected]

I'd call this a fictionalized memoir, allowing the author to take some liberties with her characters. The lives of the author, Commander Coye, and her lead character, Tucker Fairfield, seem to run in parallel. The inclusion of letters from friends and family brings out many political perspectives about the navy and in some degree the rest of the military, adding greatly to the read. Though many readers will have diverse opinions about the various issues raised, Coye is to be admired regarding the way these issues are handled. Those of us who were in the navy during those years can truthfully disagree with few of the author's conclusions. Women were second class personnel, very limited in their careers. Things are better today and career paths are much more open. Military gays and lesbians were, and still are, open to blackmail, not because of their military performance, but because of policy. Yet today the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is, as Tucker says, a wrong headed one-I firmly believe it's an ostrich approach to a fact of life. Gays and lesbians can and do honorably serve their country, so why this unpolicy hanging over their heads daily? Commander Coye has done a masterful job creating a book that should be required reading for any young person going into the military. Young women can see that the past wasn't roses and young men can learn why new policies concerning equality in the ranks are in place. I would strongly recommend this book. In plain terms, It's a Damn Good Read! Tom Williams, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S.Navy, Retired

"Commander Coye's message is aimed at the US Navy, but her story could easily be set in a corporate boardroom or in the upper hierarchy of a religious denomination. Coye reminds us that some still see the Earth as flat and the center of the universe, but we must see facts for what they are, and when antiquated values and injustice become apparent, proper remedies must follow...Yet for females and minorities, social justice continues to be steeped in white male hypocrisy. One of the strengths of this book is its objectivity, clearly recognizing the Navy's point of view through the eyes of CDR Tucker Fairfield's mentor and even those of RADM Fairfield, her father...a display of fairness, by the way, not granted to Tucker. "My Navy Too" is a sensitive and well written book enabling the reader to observe the pain of an exceptional officer competing to be all she could be, but with one hand tied behind her back. Finally, there are many ways to enjoy a book, but I think the most telling is when the reader experiences the author's feelings; there were many passages when I felt anger and frustration (and joy). Richard Boich, former U.S. Army officer and retired banker.

As a middle class, under educated, white male: It is neigh on impossible for me to compete with the highly professional reviews previously submitted by such an impressive array of readers. Never the less; perhaps my perspective, as a former enlisted RD1, Naval Instructor, Recruiter and retired police lieutenant, may serve to reinforce the importance and impact of "My Navy Too" in causing others of similar backgrounds to rethink their position on the issues addressed by CDR. Coye.Through out my entire career, I've never entertained the notion that women were, or should be considered, second class citizens. On the issue of "Gays in the military" however, I must admit to ambivalent feelings. My concerns were never related to antipathy toward gays, but rather security risks and unit cohesion. With women and gays, housing/berthing, on naval vessels were of major concern.With the "Outing" of many gays, the security issue seems to have been put to rest. If they "Come out" the specter of black mail should no longer exist. As for the rest; I agree with the author, that job performance, and any overt conduct that detracts from it, should be the sole criteria for disciplinary action, retention and fitness reports. Merit, training prerequisites and the physical ability to perform the tasks, required of a particular career path, should be the only controlling factors in recruitment and advancement.MNT is a well written, thought-provoking tract. It should be required reading for all, students and executives alike. The exclusion of so much talent and skill from mainstream America can only perpetuate the continued "Dumbing down" of our country and its great institutions, military and civilian.My thanks to the author for both "MNT" and her arduous devotion to duty, honor, country.George W. Dean Akron, Ohio 1/11/99 USN `57-`66

Comdr Coye in My Navy Too has written and assembled a powerful, entertaining and disturbing study of gender and sexuality discrimination in novel form. The approach permits her keen intelligence to shine with humor and entertainment. The protagonist could be of any different color, religion, gender, nationality, culture or sexuality; the premise is the same. Her work reflects the cruelty of white male attitudes be they colonial as in the South Pacific, Polynesians in French Tahiti; women in the Catholic Church, (where are the priests, the priests' wives?); or any minority looking for equality in our "American culture." It is a grand example of "Man's inhumanity to man" in a woman's life. Our fearful white, male, newly Viagra dependent, dominant culture cannot stand the heat. This superb work should be studied by every personnel planning person who wants to know the job.Captain E.I. Malone, US Navy (Ret.)