What makes soldiers so sexy? by Randy Hecht, Match.com

What makes soldiers so sexy?
by Randy Hecht, Match.com

One of the numerous charms of life in New York City is a tradition called Fleet Week. Each year, members of all the U.S. armed services branches (along with, this year, visiting service people from Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and India) arrive here for a week of mutual entertainment. They invite us to special events, and in turn we help them puzzle out our subway maps and give them pointers on how to best enjoy the sights.

There are parades, flyovers, and public ship tours; this year's line-up includes the Cuauhtemoc, a gorgeous Mexican tall ship. Kids love it, of course — but it's no secret that Fleet Week is most beloved by those who find the city to be, er, aesthetically enhanced by the presence of thousands of soldiers, sailors, Marines and members of the Air Force and Coast Guard … each one seemingly more attractive than the last.

"There's something about a man in uniform" was a common refrain for women in our mothers' generation. Today's presence of both men and women in uniform got us to wondering: What makes a member of the armed services so sexy? We asked singles to tell us who's the sexiest soldier, and here's what they had to say about what makes each branch of the military sexy:

The Army
"There's something very sexy about having the maturity to make sacrifices and to put your own needs aside for something you consider more important," said Caitlyn, 19, a student in Birmingham, Ala. "I look at these guys and think, 'There's someone I can depend on.' What's sexier than that?"

The Navy
"I'd spend my entire life out on the water if I could," said store manager Jeff, 34, of Portland, Ore. "Maybe that's why I think women in the Navy are extra sexy. They're capable, independent and they can teach me a thing or two about navigation. Of course, they look pretty cute in those uniforms, too!"

The Marines
Office manager Theresa, 26, cast this vote from San Diego, Calif. "I have no patience with guys who have to make a big, macho display," she says. "But when you see a Marine, you think: 'Hey, there's a guy who is tough and knows how to accomplish his goals.' And, OK … having a seriously toned body isn't going to cost you any points with me!"

The Air Force
Leigh, 37, a school principal in Colorado Springs, Colo. says, "My Dad was a pilot, so I know these guys get put through their mental paces every day. To me, that's as sexy as it gets. If a man's not really intelligent, nothing else he can do will turn me on."

The Coast Guard
"They're always there to help people in trouble and intercept potential threats on our own shores. Maybe it's not the glamour job, or the most dangerous job, but just keeping us safe right here at home is heroism in my book," says software developer Chris, 29, of Galveston, Texas. "And you've got to admit, heroism is pretty darned sexy."