You miss the point. Women must be used in advanced positions so that the recruitment objectives can be met.
Now for the other portion of your question. What the hell was wrong with the Vietnan era military? Just because we fought a war that was sold down the river by pack of spineless politicians doesn't diminish the quality of the forces involved or their spirit and heart.
The quality of the soldiers vs what we have to day was appalling. Why? Because most were there against their will. Drugs, etc were rampant. I don't fault the soldier, I fault the notion of forcing someone to do something they have no desire to do.