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Brig. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence new NETCOM commander

By Bill Hess
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Friday, Apr 04, 2008 - 11:02:15 am MST

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FORT HUACHUCA — A former enlisted soldier is now the commanding general of the Army’s Network Enterprise Technology Command.

On a bright, but breezy Brown Parade Field on Thursday morning, Brig. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence took NETCOM’s flag from the hands of Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sorenson, symbolically signifying she accepted responsibility for the worldwide command of 25,000 soldiers, civilians and contractors.

Lawrence also is the first woman to command NETCOM.

Sorenson, the Army’s chief information officer, said Lawrence has all the credentials needed to continue NETCOM’s drive to provide even better communication support for the Army.

Brigadier General Susan Lawrence chats with friend Carol Giffen during Lawrence’s Assumption of Command ceremony Thursday at Brown Parade Field on Fort Huachuca. Mark Levy•Herald/Review

“Your credentials are impeccable,” Sorenson said, noting during her short tour as commander of the 5th Signal Command in Germany its modernization efforts were proven under her guidance.

Just before she assumed command of NETCOM, Sorenson decorated Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Smith with a Legion of Merit. Smith was the interim head of NETCOM until he was named to replace Lawrence to command 5th Signal Command.

There are many challenges facing her especially when it comes to upgrading global operations, Sorenson said.

Each of NETCOM’s subordinate units, active duty, Reserve and National Guard were represented on the historic parade field by their commanders and senior noncommissioned officers and a soldier holding those unit’s flags or guidons.

Lawrence said Thursday was a personal day of shock and awe in light of her being handed the reins of NETCOM after a short tour as the head of 5th Signal Command.

In the audience were her husband, Neil Sonne, her mother and other family and friends.

A native of Iowa, Lawrence enlisted in the Army in 1972. She received a bachelor’s degree from Campbell University in North Carolina. She was commissioned in 1979.

Lawrence has a master’s degree in information systems management from the University of Georgia.

She has served in a number of assignments — platoon leader, aide-de-camp, executive officer, company commander, battalion commander, brigade commander as well as serving in a number of staff positions in Washington, D.C.

Her decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, two Defense Superior Service Medals, a Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, nine Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals and three Army Achievement Medals.

As for her new mission as NETCOM’s commander, Lawrence said it will be focused on providing communication support to the warfighters.

Currently 3,500 members of the command are deployed, as part of America’s war on terrorism, she noted.

What NETCOM soldiers, civilians and contractors do is “enable warfighters in the field,” the general said.

The command will remain focused on its mission and will work with all elements to include “our Reserve and National Guard battle buddies,” Lawrence said.

The command’s charter for success will always be the way it plans and those plans will shape NETCOM’s influence, she said.

Whatever success NETCOM has will come from those assigned to the organization and Lawrence challenged the members of the command “to take care of each other and remain safe.”

herald/Review senior reporter Bill Hess can be reached at 515-4615 or by e-mail at bill.hess@svherald.com.

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Know the truth wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:59 AM:

" I have known General Lawrence for years and I can tell you that her record speaks for itself. She is an outstanding Soldier. It was because of her leadership...lead by example that I chose to go in the Officer ranks. I was so at awe how a female officer could score expert at the range and over 300 on her APFT. She did not just do it once. She motivated me and I am very proud of her. If you have doubt about her "qualifications" to lead Soldiers ask her and she will square you away. "

Transfered out wrote on Apr 18, 2008 5:56 PM:

" Thats why I moved over to the "other command" on post. It's crazy working up there. These ladies rose up from secretaries GS-5 to GS-15 with the "hey my daughter needs a job can you hook here up?" "Sure we'll slot her in as a secretary then bump her up to Project Manager"
This has gone on for years I only stood around for 2 years and saw what was going on and just transfered. The good oh girl network is strong there. SVLIB must be one of them. "

Glenn wrote on Apr 18, 2008 2:35 PM:

" Who cares. I spent 4 years in the Army in a recon plt., including 16 months in Iraq. I saw plenty of so called pt gurus who couldn't hold up in combat, but saw one of my soldiers who was overweight and on pt remedials in Baghdad. Give the woman a break. I will take brains over braun into combat any day. "

Too Funny wrote on Apr 18, 2008 9:40 AM:

" I agree with SVLIB is Redneck..Some of those NETCOM woman think because they continue to cling to the same job forever they run the NETCOM. Maybe it is in such a mess because they are all senile! "

Murphy wrote on Apr 18, 2008 9:31 AM:

" Dever & SVLib. It is a totally absurd and non-objective assertion that one gender runs a command of some 25,000 members. Get a grip. "

Dever wrote on Apr 17, 2008 10:02 AM:

" SVlib is right women are the backbone of NETCOM. "

SVLib is Redneck wrote on Apr 16, 2008 7:25 PM:

" That's pretty funny SVLib. In one breath you say NETCOM is in a mess and that it takes a woman to clean up that kind of mess. Then in the next breath you say NETCOM is ran by women. hmmm. I wonder who made NETCOM a mess then?
I also noticed you imply you work at NETCOM, yet in a previous comment on another article you state you can't wait until the Fort closes down. I feel sorry for anyone who may be working for you...you're all over the place. "

SVLib wrote on Apr 16, 2008 4:45 PM:

" Oh by the way... no mention anywhere. But NETCOM itself is ran mostly by women. Lets count how many of us are in charge. "

SVLib wrote on Apr 16, 2008 6:45 AM:

" Like said before... lots of jealous people out here. But they are a minority so it really doesn't matter. And I am also proud to see a woman in charge! Now NETCOM will rise from the mess the men left it in. It always takes a woman to clean up that kind of mess. Hooah! "

Citizen wrote on Apr 15, 2008 6:07 PM:

" Well Chris S. Please tell. What could have given you that impression in the two comments I made below? I guess you'll need to get a refund on your crystal ball, it seems to be a bit cloudy, I'm retired military. "

This is too funny! wrote on Apr 15, 2008 4:42 PM:

" This whole comment section is very funny. You have people that apparently can eyeball someone's height & weight based on a lousy photo, you have folks asserting that because they had this or that experience, their opinion is better than everyone else's, you have the folks that feel that height/weight & PT scores are the absolute pinnacle of being a Soldier and that if you don't meet their standard, you simply are 3 shades below pond scum, and you have the folks simply don't know a dang thing but comment anyway!! Too funny! HAHAHA "

WOW wrote on Apr 15, 2008 4:10 PM:

" Nice welcome from Cochise County, folks. You do not have a clue what recovering from cancer can do your body, not just temporarily but for the rest of your life. You are all negative, mean people, who have nothing better to do but pick on someone from your armchairs. You remind me of schoolyard bullies circling the new kid. Sister, don't waste your time with these evil people, as they cannot understand due to their stupidity. They may have worn a uniform "in the day" and are bitter because they did not acheive what she has. "

WM_Vet wrote on Apr 15, 2008 1:34 PM:

" I saw the lady in the hall today. If it wasn't for the name tag and rank I wouldn't have know it was her from the picture above.

She is not fat. She's thinner then alot of the soliders I see around post.

Good to see a woman in charge!
"

Ron wrote on Apr 15, 2008 9:01 AM:

" General's Sister
Ma'am I would hope that you would insist that the Herald take another picture of your sister crossing the finish line after her APFT and having made her weight/body fat content test.

I still blaim her CSM. "

Chris S. wrote on Apr 15, 2008 5:45 AM:

" "Citizen" by reading your blogs you obviously never been in the military and to "Really?" you just don't make any sense . "

General's Sister wrote on Apr 15, 2008 5:35 AM:

" My sister is not obese, fat, or out of shape. This simply is a horrible picture of her. She is, in fact, a beautiful woman inside and out who adamantly loves God and Country. But I can tell you for sure that, if she had the time to read this, she would laugh her little hiney off because that's the kind of person she is. I'm certainly glad that she is a commander in our country and has more important things to do like giving you the freedom to embarrass yourselves. "

Really? wrote on Apr 14, 2008 6:12 PM:

" Face it "James N." times are lean for the Army, no one is mistreated. The Army would rather take the easy way out then enforce standards like they used to when you or I first joined the service. Have you seen the Reservist and National Guard units deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan? Many of those soldiers don't meet the height weight standards. Soldiers aren’t threatened with being recycled in Basic. Soldiers come out of Basic and AIT without qualifying on a weapon or passing a PT test. This is the softer gentler PC Army. http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/02/20/struggling_for_recruits_army_relaxes_its_rules/ "

Citizen wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:42 PM:

" No, James N, it seems you are saying that. Let me type a little bit slower for you James, I didn't know you would have trouble reading my comment. I said, (in slow motion now) "She appeared to be fit and seemed to be the only General Oficer in SWA who appeared to have any knowledge of strategic communications." (OK, back to 60 wpm) I haven't met her or seen her since, have you? "

Chris Crocker wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:01 PM:

" All you people care about is her horrible picture and making fat jokes about her. She's a human! Leave BG Lawrence alone! "

James N wrote on Apr 14, 2008 8:55 AM:

" So Citizen are you saying she's not fit NOW?
And Really, SPECIALIST J.G. used the word "yet".
The Army is mistreating the enlisted soldiers.
"

Citizen wrote on Apr 14, 2008 6:16 AM:

" She's been a BG for quite some time now. I met her in SWA when she was the J6 for CENTCOM. That was before she was the Commander of 5th Sig Command. She appeared to be fit and seemed to be the only General Officer in SWA who appeared to have any knowledge of strategic communications. She has vision and knowledge and had plans for the future of communications in that region. Other GOs in the region made knee jerk actions and reactions, much like BG Smith when he was 22nd Sig Bde Commander while in Iraq. "

Really? wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:54 PM:

" Well there you go...no one is getting kicked out. Thanks for confirming that for all. "

To Really wrote on Apr 13, 2008 6:18 PM:

" I'm 7 pounds over weight to the Army. They are not kicking me out yet. The Army flags me and no favorable actions for me. I cant get promoted, get awards, 3-4 day pass, and schools. But yet they are sending me to IRAQ! My General got promoted though. SPECIALIST J.G.
"

Really? wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:04 AM:

" Really? Nam Vet the days of recycling soldiers through Basic have been over since 1992. They pass out stress cards and graduate the soldiers even though they haven't passed their PT test or qualified on a weapon. They put that burden on the permanent party duty station. Standards aren't what they used to be. "

Really? wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:56 AM:

" Really? James N They are throwing any PFC out for being 10 pounds overweight. They are retaining everyone they can. Standards have been laxed and in fact if you are still 40 years old you could joint the Army right now. "

Hobby wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:42 AM:

" Taking a picture from an up angle makes the object appear larger. For a picture eminating power, this is the way to go. Most of the time it's not a complimentary angle for women.

The picture was taken over someone's shoulder so she didn't have the opportunity to look the camera in the "eye". Also, surprise pictures typically don't come out well. It was an attempt to get her while she's laughing, but a few more shots and picking the best one would be better.

I'm not the photographer, hopefully a few tips will help him. "

To who wrote to Nam Vet wrote on Apr 13, 2008 6:36 AM:

" You should learn to read all the words. Nam Vet never said anything about her going to Nam, just wondered where she ever went. As for her cancer treatment, I would give odds that she was overweight long before that. "

Hey SV Lib wrote on Apr 12, 2008 7:49 PM:

" What do you want the Herald to do?
Use the computer to give her longer legs, a thinner waist, air brush the photo's? "

To Nam Vet wrote on Apr 12, 2008 5:46 PM:

" Ok...just a little education. General Lawrence was commissioned in 1979 - as stated in the article. Viet Nam was long over by the time she was commissioned. And if you read the article she just finished cancer treatment...hmmmm which is I am sure a reason for her weighty look. Google her...she appears to have a quite distinguished career. But remember, you have to read all the words to understand the story. "

SVLib wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:37 AM:

" The Herald should post other photos of General Lawrence. They owe it to her.
"

Nam Vet wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:53 PM:

" I know of draftee's that had to go through basic twice because they didn't lose enough weight. 12 weeks of H--- for them, but they did it and went to Nam. Wonder where this general ever went? "

Now Serving wrote on Apr 11, 2008 6:22 PM:

" I agree with James N. If a troop is being put out for being over weight, he or she should appeal it and file an Equal Opportunity complaint. And expose it nationally! Use all extremes of the media and post it on Youtube & Liveleak. "

James N wrote on Apr 11, 2008 9:52 AM:

" To Ed Griswald; I want you to go tell a PFC he must meet the Army Weight Standards and to follow the examples of his superiors. That will make you a hypocrite. Look around my former brigade and see how many enlisted are being put out because they're 10 pounds over weight.
James N, Gulf War Vet WIA.
"

Korean War Vet wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:38 AM:

" No one disputes that we would prefer a leader with "brains, vision, and ability." That is a given. Also, no one would have a problem, or much choice, in following the directions of General Lawrence. General Schwarzkopf accomplished what was expected of him, as we are confident BG Lawrence is doing. If she however, exceeeds Army weight standards, the issue remains on the table. The issue here is a double standard. Nothing personal at all. "

Edward Griswold wrote on Apr 10, 2008 3:27 PM:

" For the Veteran who woundered how a Vietnam or Afghanistan veteran feels let me tell you. I served two tours in Vietnam and 3 ½ years in Afghanistan as an Army civilian. I have no problem following the directions of General Lawrence. I prefer a leader with brains, vision and ability over a poster child that looks good but can’t perform. I would remind you folks our leadership during the first Gulf War was also criticized for his weight. But that did not stop General Norman Schwarzkopf from destroying the Iraqi Army. "

Blinky wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:15 AM:

" "me wrote" and "J.N.C" are both correct -- if General Lawrence was instead a PFC or junior enlisted the paperwork to get her out of the Army would be moving along -- as height/weight standards require. Two words apply here: Double Standard. Period. "

WM_Vet wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:02 AM:

" That is an awful picture, but it's not enough to base an opinion off of.

Women bloat, she has a previous medical history, and at her age she's bound to be going thru some changes.

Base your opinion off her abilities. My experience with the older female drill instructors was that didn't look "sexy" but they could run better then most of the recruits, even those that thought they were in shape. "

J.N.C. wrote on Apr 10, 2008 6:57 AM:

" Mr. Wiltfong, now that you are retired.... you can quit eating cheese. She's a General and can speak for herself. Oh and by the way "FREEDOM OF SPEECH!" is being applied here and no one is going to "take a deep cleansing breath and get over themselves". So no need to try to pull rank here. For the record she is and outstanding and fit General and I'll fight to the front with her. "

BILLY H wrote on Apr 10, 2008 2:28 AM:

" The general could settle this debate on her weight.All she would have to do is release her height/weight and body fat content.If she meets standards thats it.!! If she doesn't she needs to take action to comply.General officers have bosses too and a fitness report from a senior generalthat she does not meet standards would ensure her retirement at her current rank. "

wilt wiltfong wrote on Apr 9, 2008 7:08 PM:

" As a retired Army Warrant Officer and having met BG Lawrence, I can state for whatever record is out there, she is an outstanding officer and the photo in the Herald is lousy. Those armchair knotheads making such idiotic criticisms without bothing with such minor items as FACTS need to take a deep cleansing breath and get over themselves! (rant mode off for now)

I'm proud of my service and I make a point of signing my name to my comments.

William 'wilt' Wiltfong "

uklady wrote on Apr 9, 2008 2:35 PM:

" What a bunch of nasty people live here. Wow, how shallow and judgemental can people be. I cannot understand how some folk can be so nasty and mean to someone they do not even know. I am sure that she is a very good CG, as anyone who is in command here would have to be. Judge not lest ye be judged.!!! "

Mark C. wrote on Apr 9, 2008 1:04 PM:

" In times of war, sometimes substance sometimes becomes more important than style. A gifted and visionary leader, well qualified in every respect but appearance... might still rise to a position of great responsibility. Of course it has is heresy in our culture to suggest that style and substance are not the same thing, the only thing I can say to that is… Please God, send us more heretics. "

Wickedness strives.. wrote on Apr 9, 2008 10:20 AM:

" A bunch of grumpy prior enlisted in here.. She is the head of the most cruical tactical communications command and you folks cannot do anything but critize.. Her decisions will affect the lives of both CONUS and OCONUS troops. Those infantry folks forget about the comms that keep them alive today. I do have to say that the recuriting standards sure have dropped though... Gang activity up 37% in the army... Go figure, fight here in the states against each other.. Why even live with no hope for world wide peace? What is our purpose but aggression? "

okay, okay wrote on Apr 9, 2008 9:59 AM:

" I have read everyone's posts-- and I can see both sides. Yes, she battled an illness which can cause undue stress, weight gain, etc. Weight is not a determining factor of someone's intelligence. I 've read a lot about how she is capable of doing the job, BUT having a professional appearance and setting a standard for Soldiers IS a part of the job. You've got to be the best in all areans---so, with that said, I hope the Gen is working on her weight issue so that she can be an example to Soldiers. "

me wrote on Apr 9, 2008 8:59 AM:

" If she was a PFC she would be harassed by everyone to lose the weight. There is a double standard in the military the one for officers and senior NCO’s and the other for junior enlisted. I had seen it in NETCOM a lot of the higher ranks ARE FAT!Her cancer episode was about four years ago, she had plenty of time to get in shape! I had cancer too and I am not fat from it, And I was also in the army give me a break "

Ron wrote on Apr 9, 2008 8:33 AM:

" Bad picture my foot.

Ok svherald go take another picture of her in her PT Uniform or coming across the line after her APFT.

It's not hateful to ask the Generals (even the great NETCOM commander who looks good on paper) to look like PFC Jones in the Green Zone or even Colonel Smith in Fort Campbell.
"

NavyDan wrote on Apr 9, 2008 12:29 AM:

" This was just a bad picture, c'mon people, how many of you people critisicing got what it takes to make Brig Gen? and i bet this lady can probably run laps around you, looks can be deceiving, she's 50 years old, but hey then again it is the SV herald and people will just look for any excuse to leave bad comment just because they got nothing better to do. "

Wow wrote on Apr 8, 2008 7:36 PM:

" I can't believe all of the negative comments. BG Lawrence is an outstanding officer and is highly qualified to take Command of NETCOM. Hold your judgments until you've met her or spoken to her. Turn that mirror on yourself if you are looking for someone to criticize. "

To Just Wondering wrote on Apr 8, 2008 4:59 PM:

" You summed up my thoughts exactly. If anyone took any time to read the article you would've discovered she just recently battled cancer...
But all of you arm-chair quarterbacks obviously only looked at the pictures. She has been in town a minute and half, had one/two horrible pictures in the paper and many of you are making a federal case from it.
She obviously got something on the ball to be a general....don't you think? "

SVLib wrote on Apr 8, 2008 3:42 PM:

" To Just wondering; I agree with you 100+ percent. This town does have the most hateful people in Arizona, probably this side of the country. Most of the comments are coming from old fashion Jealous rednecks anyway.... and they can be ignored because FACT is Gen. Susan S. Lawrence is The Commanding General. Whatever they says wont change a thing. "

Just wondering wrote on Apr 8, 2008 10:26 AM:

" I would like all of you who are critizing her to beat cancer and keep your trim fit. This town has the most hateful people in Arizona. "

Donzell wrote on Apr 8, 2008 10:25 AM:

" Robert Berger is spot on. This is a clear case of turning a blind eye to Army weight standards and makes a mockery of those who work hard to meet those standards. "

Ron wrote on Apr 8, 2008 8:04 AM:

" Her CSM needs to take control of her and get her back in shape. "

Long Time Vet wrote on Apr 6, 2008 10:28 AM:

" To Veteran, you asked how would a vet of Iwo Jima, Normandy, Anzio, Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq/Afghanistan, et.al, react to this photo and as a vet of Viet Nam and the first Iraq war I can tell you I do not take any offense with the photo and saw right away the photo is at a bad angle. And to "observer," I have to agree with "to observer" that you are hatful because you attack everyone, which I am sure you will do to me, but that is to be expected, and I am sure you can't help it. "

Another Vet wrote on Apr 6, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Vet, thanks for the summary. As to 'jealousy,' that comment comes from someone who never did military service and from a female (o.k., o.k., I'm braced for a tsumani of protests from female readers--but nevertheless, it's true. . . jealousy never has been a male's emotion in the military context). "

SVLib wrote on Apr 6, 2008 9:15 AM:

" This is NETCOM's first female General people! It's just a bad picture taken. I just wish the paper had chosen a better photo to publish. If you guys had just surfed the net for pictures of Brig. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence before opening your mouths you will see that she is as fit as the General she replaced. And look at her EXCELLENT military record. I bet she surpass your military records if you have one, and for those who don't, STAY SILENT. "

Wanna watch wrote on Apr 5, 2008 8:10 PM:

" What time does she do her five mile run? "

Veteran wrote on Apr 5, 2008 2:03 PM:

" Dever - Whether a soldier (even a GO) abides by any regulation in not the point. Military appearance is the issue and the example it sets for subordinates. AR 600-9 is the applicable regulation, not AR 670-1, which prescribes uniform wear. In my many years of military service, I never once met an active duty member who was jealous of another. Rather, it is quite typical for the professional soldier to strive to equal or excel (emulate) their superiors. "

FIT Soldier wrote on Apr 5, 2008 9:15 AM:

" Dever, EVERY member in the ARMY has to abide by 670-1! and no one is jealous here. "

Observer wrote on Apr 5, 2008 9:12 AM:

" TO: To observer wrote: Sorry, sweetie, if you think my observations are 'hateful.' I don't 'hate' anyone whom I criticize, but I often regret their demeanor. The only thing in my defense is that there's so.o.o many things in this country that seem to be going badly awry--it's definitely not our grandfather's country any more! As to your distaste for my 'hateful' posts I'd rather characterize them as direct, not mincing words, and definitely not PC. So if you can't handle reality, then it's time you stop reading my comments and 'get out of the kitchen! "

Observer wrote on Apr 5, 2008 6:34 AM:

" TO: Chris S. Thanks for the update on the deteriorating standards in the Army. It's a shocking revelation, but in light of the controversial nature of the long, long war and the decisions to lower age and intellectual standards, it's not surprising that lowering of physical standards would follow. I deeply lament this development, because it is a clear sign that the Army has become infected with the general malaise of the American population. If a country's military cannot reflect and take pride in the very highest standards, then social collapse isn't far behind. "

Dever wrote on Apr 5, 2008 12:43 AM:

" Hey she's a General! Generals dont have to abide by AR 670-1, they can adjust their uniforms any which way they want. I think most of you people are just jealous of her. "

Barbara Thomas wrote on Apr 4, 2008 9:11 PM:

" Sounds like General Lawerence will be the one for the job. Good Luck.

P.S. This is for all who are putting General Lawerence down. Don't be jealous, if you had her qualifications you just might be in her spot! "

Veteran wrote on Apr 4, 2008 8:40 PM:

" How would the veterans of Iwo Jima, Normandy, Anzio, Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq/Afghanistan, et.al, react to this photo? If medical issues are a contributing factor, there are alternatives.. Military appearance is one of the most important attributes we come to expect of our soldiers, especially in our general officers. "

Sarg. wrote on Apr 4, 2008 7:49 PM:

" We in this country wonder why other countries laugh at the USA this is one example. What a joke. I would be ashamed to be in the military. "

to observer wrote on Apr 4, 2008 4:04 PM:

" Observer you are just about the most hateful person I have ever met. On every single post you do nothing but cut people down. Get a life "

Chris S. wrote on Apr 4, 2008 3:30 PM:

" And also, in the General's defense...the photo isn't a very good angle. Nor are the ACU uniforms "figure friendly"...lol. But, you can also tell that there's a lack of fitness in other ways. "

Bravo wrote on Apr 4, 2008 3:23 PM:

" I completely agree with Observer. It's about time we stand up and speak out about this-- I am tired of coddling the obese. She doesn't belong in a position of authority and she certainly does not set any standard of professionalism. She doesn't even know how to wear a beret! "

Double Standard wrote on Apr 4, 2008 3:06 PM:

" The Army does have a standard, a double standard. I bet a milllion dollars that no Infantry officer would make General looking as hefty as this General. No male would make promotion either as an officer or senior NCO with weight issues. Having said that, I don't believe weight should be an issue for anyone as long as the job is done. Military jobs require physical stamina and fitness that is some cases, big people can handle. If a person can't handle the physical requirments, then after a reasonable chance, out they should go! "

Observer wrote on Apr 4, 2008 2:04 PM:

" To Terry Rowles: Gimme a break, Terry! Obviously, you've never been in the military where fitness, mental, physical, and moral are the norms. This lady may be a saint, personable, and gifted, but on the physical side she's a slob, which wipes out her credibility. I know fatness has become a civilian standard that civilians dare not criticize, but as a (I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS) general, she's supposed to represent the very best on all counts. As Robert Berger notes below, I can assure you she's the laughing stock of Ft. Huachuca and should be cashiered out now. "

MS :) wrote on Apr 4, 2008 11:53 AM:

" Why should her weight matter as long as she can do her job?
Also,

"

Chris S. wrote on Apr 4, 2008 11:50 AM:

" You guy's are used to the old military. This is a "kinder and gentler" Army. Being in shape only pertains to those that are in combat roles now. And of those, only the lower enlisted are forced to maintain. I served from 96-99 in the Infantry. About 98% of our troops were in shape. "

Have some respect! wrote on Apr 4, 2008 10:32 AM:

" Geez - give her a break! It was not exactly a flattering photo. Check the photo from yesterday's article, which is much nicer. "

Speaklife wrote on Apr 4, 2008 9:39 AM:

" In reply to ALL of the comments prior to this one:

No, the Army has not relaxed it's standards for any reason, and maintains a HIGH state of readiness in all ranks. Until you walk in someone elses shoes, may I suggest you not be so critical and judgemental. If you research BG Lawrence, she had a bout with cancer, and who knows what she is going through now with that!? To me, she seems to be a go getter, and I am very honored to have served in the Force she so proudly serves. She gives all. "

wow wrote on Apr 4, 2008 9:35 AM:

" The article isn't about her weight. Good grief get a life. "

Terry Rowles wrote on Apr 4, 2008 9:07 AM:

" Lighten up readers. General Lawrence may be a gifted, highly qualified, personable, and well-liked officer. It's so easy to criticize personal appearance when you don't know the person. Give her a chance, take a deep breath, and move on. "

Robert Berger wrote on Apr 4, 2008 7:33 AM:

" I cannot believe this officer could be on active duty at any level, much less in command of anything. She clearly could not pass any weight requirement. Anyone who was that overweight would be discharged from the Armed Forces. This sets a terrible example for our soldiers. I imagine that in barracks she is the laughing stock of the Ft. Huachuca community. "

Skeptical wrote on Apr 4, 2008 7:23 AM:

" Good grief! Doesn't the Army have some physical weight standards for males, females, privates, and generals? Excuse me if it's a delicate PC matter, but the general just plain fat (I wonder if the clothing store stocks her huge size, or if she has her uniforms custom made). During my 25 years, my comrades and I were tested rigorously annually and held to USAF standards. I never encountered anyone, enlisted or officer, as fat as Mark Levy's photo portrays general Lawrence. Or perhaps with violence in Iraq down, maybe the Army is now more relaxed (?) "

wondering wrote on Apr 4, 2008 6:52 AM:

" I thought there was a weight standard in the army. My husband was in the army for 20yrs, and struggled to keep his weight in check. He was taped several times due to what the army said he was over weight. I guess the higher you get in rank it does not matter. "

Geeze wrote on Apr 4, 2008 5:50 AM:

" The Army is sure not in the shape it used to be. "