Should women in the military be allowed to fight in direct combat units? (soldiers, regular)
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Felt the same as stillkit for a long time. However, have come around to if you want to step up and "man up", who's to say you're wrong when you've already done more by just joining than most others.
In the end it just comes down to if they want to "ride together, die together", and they're willing to put it out there, then hell yeah. Let 'em show the enemy how American women can kick ass in their battle rattle. What better way to demoralize an enemy who sees women as inferior. Show 'em how inferior they are as they flashbang their cave!
As long as they keep the same physical standards for the job and don't lower them just to allow females to enter, I see nothing wrong with it. I will say that whenever this does happen, the females that start it had better not get pregnant while deployed or preparing to deploy because then that will just prove those against it right. Like others said there are already females getting attached to infantry and other combat arms units and holding their own, another example being those females in the Marines and Army attached to combat arms units to be female engagement teams. All sorts of women go outside the wire now anyway.
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Last edited by Ibginnie; 01-16-2011 at 03:55 PM..
Reason: response to deleted post
As long as they keep the same physical standards and don't lower them just to allow females to enter, I see nothing wrong with it. I will say that whenever this does happen, the females that start it had better not get pregnant while deployed or preparing to deploy because then that will just prove those against it right. Like others said there are already females getting attached to infantry and other combat arms units and holding their own, another example being those females in the Marines and Army attached to combat arms units to be female engagement teams. All sorts of women go outside the wire now anyway.
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Ah, but here is the thing- physical standards for women in the military are already lower than it is for males, and can be in some cases quite a bit lower. I've met several ROTC girls that can do just as well, if not better than, a male at PT.. but most girls I met would have a hard time with some of the other things in infantry. Ridiculously heavy packs and gear plus the possibility of having to carry a wounded soldier come into play, but once again.. watch "G.I. Jane."
Once again, I am fully in favor of allowing women to fight as long as they meet the physical requirements and the requirements of an Infantry/MP soldier (because sometimes MP units DO get deployed in "hot" areas and get shot at..)
Last edited by Ibginnie; 01-16-2011 at 03:56 PM..
Reason: edited quoted post
JordanJP, right so what I meant by what I said was that if this happens, the females who do it will have to prove that they can meet the same standards and perform the same duties in the role as males. I've known males who have been reclassed to a different job because they couldn't handle the physical (or other) aspect of the job, same would be for females. Not every female could handle it, but those that can should have the chance.
As for the same haircut, I don't think that's necessary provided the female can make sure it doesn't get in the way. Plenty of women's hair is covered up by their kevlars anyway out there.
As a former 11B I would only say yes BUT only if the female can do everything a man can, that includes passing the PT test using the mans version of the exercises and going through AIT without any consideration for her gender. I can tell you very few females could do it and I would not want one in my unit unless she could, combat does not allow for gender. I do not want one of my men dieing because he felt the need to protect a member of our platoon that could not hold their own. In todays world the lines are blurred when it comes to front lines and yes women do often get drawn into a combat situation, and they do a good job at handling it for the most part, but believe me it is a different animal when one is actually going in to clear out an enemy stronghold as the aggressor and getting hit by an IUD or an ambush with a few guys throwing a few rounds your way.
So I say yes, but with conditions. Oh, just a thought most women would not want to spend too much time around grunts, we can be a rough and crude lot, it goes with the job, because after all is said and done the job of the infantry is to Kill People, think long and hard before your join the best.
Casper
As a former 11B I would only say yes BUT only if the female can do everything a man can, that includes passing the PT test using the mans version of the exercises and going through AIT without any consideration for her gender. I can tell you very few females could do it and I would not want one in my unit unless she could, combat does not allow for gender. I do not want one of my men dieing because he felt the need to protect a member of our platoon that could not hold their own. In todays world the lines are blurred when it comes to front lines and yes women do often get drawn into a combat situation, and they do a good job at handling it for the most part, but believe me it is a different animal when one is actually going in to clear out an enemy stronghold as the aggressor and getting hit by an IUD or an ambush with a few guys throwing a few rounds your way.
So I say yes, but with conditions. Oh, just a thought most women would not want to spend too much time around grunts, we can be a rough and crude lot, it goes with the job, because after all is said and done the job of the infantry is to Kill People, think long and hard before your join the best.
Casper
When did the Army start having separate PT tests for men and women?
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