If women want to succeed in the military, they need to have self-confidence, a member of the Army National Guard said last night.

"A lot depends on the woman," said 2nd Lt. Pam Selfe in a discussion about women in the military. "If she's going to be sure of herself . . . everybody will respect that individual."

But she said that even timid men get more respect than aggressive women, adding that if a woman makes a good decision, it is exaggerated.

Both Selfe, whose National Guard unit may be called to Saudi Arabia, and a female Army ROTC cadet, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals, agreed that women in the military are often harassed because of their gender.

"There's a lot of traditional guys out there who don't know why you're (in the military)," the woman said.

Both said they have also been harassed on campus, and they said they have never seen men similarly taunted.

"They never do it to guys because a guy will beat them up," the woman said. "What's a woman going to do?"

She said people have told her they think "you have to be a raging lesbian to be in (the military)."

Selfe said that while she has been harassed, she also has been complimented. And Selfe said she thinks tolerance of women in the military is higher now than in the past.

"I think in our era it's being accepted a lot more than five years ago," she said, adding that the men she commands have not given her any problems.

One audience member at the discussion sponsored by the Department of Women's Concerns said he disagreed with the government policy prohibiting women from serving on the front lines and in certain military branches.

"If they're going to train (women) to do this job . . . then they should be able to fulfill that job," said Sean Wilson (senior-ceramic engineering).

Selfe said the only reason women should not be in combat is because of physical limitations, not on basis of gender, Selfe said.

Both women said they can march with their weapons as well as most men.

"I've tracked with it for two miles," Selfe said. "Most women can handle it," the woman said.

The two said military restrictions that respect Islamic custom in Saudi Arabia are tougher on women than men.

"It's hard, but I think we're doing the right thing," the woman said. "It's their country."

"I might not like that, but I'm in the military," Selfe said.