The U.S. Army's ingenuity extends into all areas as needed, according to US News & World Report.
When Army Reserves chief Lt. Gen. James Helmly talks about troop support in Iraq, he doesn't just mean hot food and letters from home. Lately, it's been about sports bras. Yup, those undergarments made famous by soccer star Brandi Chastain, who ripped off her shirt in the excitement of winning the 1999 World Cup. He tells us that women reservists want them--now. "I don't really know anything about these things," the crusty 37-year vet says somewhat shyly. But he's not passing the buck. He told his staff to skip the normal purchasing rules to buy them, even at the corner store if they have to. "I told them to go out to the Sports Authority and buy them," crows the three-star general. His order is already having a big impact. Female reservists don't get clothing allowances like active-duty soldiers to buy sports bras. But soon the bras will be standard issue when reservists are mobilized. As for those already in Iraq sans "Brandi bras," the Army says it'll be sending care packages of sports bras to Baghdad.Posted by Alan at February 1, 2004 08:10 AM