Women will be allowed to serve in combat

[Gman]

Since you're going for a sammich, would you mind bringing me and the Grey one as well? Thanks.

[davsel]

That wasn't an offer.

[GilpinGuy]

This thread is gonna go downhill fast.

And as far as the comment that you can't comment on the subject because you don't know what it's like, no offense but that's bullshit. I guess I can't comment on Obama's performance either. Never been POTUS.

[Irving]

The number of physically-capable American men who join the military and then go combat arms is pretty slim, as well. What part do you not agree with? Do you really think that there is just some giant pool of women 17-30 who are dying to join the infantry, but couldn't, so they got jobs as social workers instead?

I don't think I implied any of that, nor does any of it matter. My only point is that it is a weak argument to say that being in the military is difficult. Men and women have toiled and fought their way through the highs and lows of the entire history of the human race together. There are plenty of things in life that are equal to, and even surpassing the difficulties of combat roles in the military, and if women were as fragile and frail as they are made out to be, they would have died out thousands of years ago. There aren't that many good arguments against women in the military, so let's not waste our breath even discussing topics like hygene, carrying weight, staying awake, or even rape. Our women don't have to go intobattle to face potentially being raped by men, hell that starts in middle school.

[davsel]

While catching up on my fredoneverything.org reading, I came across an old column he wrote that seems to sum it up well:

http://fredoneverything.org/a-pettic...dy-in-uniform/

As I said in another thread, I highly recommend Fred Reeds columns. He is quite a character with a colorful background, and writes some entertaining and interesting stuff.
As always, YMMV

[Lucky]

... (snip)...

and because I was female in a male-dominated field, I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. But it was my choice; I persevered, and there came a time when I reached acceptance.

...(snip)...

As a female, I appreciate that you clarified that it was your choice to work twice as hard. Some females do choose to work twice as hard simply to prove themselves, to their own self or to others- and all too often in attempt to prove themselves equal to males. Some females act as if their choice to work twice as hard is some sort of favor to the rest of us, when that is not the case. I am perfectly content not being in the military, and not working twice as hard simply to prove myself. I am much happier being good at certain things because I put the time and effort in to become better at them- for my own satisfaction and personal growth.

I don't think men and women are equal. Roles are changing over time, but I still believe we have different strengths and weaknesses, and that when we truly work as a team we can accomplish great things.

I'm sure the women who attempt to fight the front lines have a clear understanding that they will have to work twice as hard to prove themselves as a certain caliber of soldier, and with that comes added stress, health issues, and a more defensive demeanor overall. My hope would be that they are putting themselves out front because they really believe they are making a difference in the safety and overall well-being of US citizens, or otherwise protecting our country, and not simply to be the "first female on the front line".

[Lucky]

...(snip)... and if women were as fragile and frail as they are made out to be, they would have died out thousands of years ago. ...(snip)... Our women don't have to go intobattle to face potentially being raped by men, hell that starts in middle school.

Well said.

[BushMasterBoy]

When it comes to out and out battle, I prefer women behind the lines. I am basically a prick in battle, and I don't need it made any harder. SECDEF is NOT a veteran. Neither is POTUS. This personal policy is based not on logic, but experience. Betsy Ross is fine with me, Boudica not so much. I will be so glad when this administrations' term expires.

[Ronin13]

This thread is gonna go downhill fast.

And as far as the comment that you can't comment on the subject because you don't know what it's like, no offense but that's bullshit. I guess I can't comment on Obama's performance either. Never been POTUS.

Let me rephrase, unless you've been in combat, and you're one of these decision makers, you shouldn't be allowed to make these kinds of decisions that affect combat operations, unless you've carefully and fully consulted with the leaders of said combat operators. I wasn't trying to insult, I was trying to convey that those who haven't BTDT don't know the entire scope of the issue, so they might be somewhat misguided or misinformed.

Personally, because I saw it done legitimately, and then I saw it done as a form of getting out of deployment, any female combat troops that are found to be getting pregnant to get out of deployment should be chaptered immediately. I saw it in our S1 and S4 shops in my BN, and it was very clear these 3 females all got preggers to avoid deploying. I almost told them "if you didn't want to deploy, why did you even sign up?" That makes about as much sense as an aquaphobic life guard.

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[Jamnanc]

I'm raising three girls. I am very proud of how tough and athletic they are. They could probably carry the packs, shoot, run, crawl, and follow orders as well as a man. If, however, I needed to be lifted over a wall or dragged away from a conflict, I doubt they could do it. I don't want to see them drafted for the coming war. If they want to join, more power to them.