Women shouldn't be on submarines until/unless Americans are ok with women working in close quarters with men.

Question

Do you agree or disagree with the above statement in part or in full? Could you explain why either way?

The special distinction with submarines is in the fact that separate quarters on a submarine are no better than a chalk line through the middle of a room. If women are to be integrated on submarines with minimal issues they must share the same quarters all other submariners share. Otherwise you strike a superficial, but clear distinction between the two groups and prohibit proper integration.

By the way, I've spent more than 2 years cumulative time underwater in a submarine myself.

Answer 1

I have heard many arguments about women in submarines: they aren't physically strong enough; they are too emotional for the stressful demands of submarine life; it's logistically infeasible due to personal sanitation reasons; there are no doctors in the event a woman has a "female" issue; women should never be in a position to hold "the button". The list goes on and on. The bottom line is like you say - America isn't comfortable with the thought of men and women living and working in such close quarters. I had female Sailors with whom I worked that I would gladly have served with on any boat, in any situation. Until America decides that men and women can be responsible for themselves and can act in an adult manner, we will not have women on boats. The perception is that it will turn into a sexfest all the time. I wholeheartedly disagree. There is a notion that you will have to have separate heads. and different berthing. Why? In the time you were on the boat, did you ever peek into the other stall to see a shipmate on the toilet? Didn't you generally cover yourself with a towel as you got out of the shower? And if two Sailors are going to "get busy," it will not be in a bunk. (God help the couple that wakes the A-ganger who spent the last 16 hours awake working on a sanitary pump.) These are not valid arguments. Not having women on submarines is to appease the public, much like Steinke hoods and escape trunks. As a Navy, ready. As a public, no.

With regard to the issue of cancer rates, submarine Sailors generally have a lower instance of cancer, as a result of greater education to the risks of exposure to radiation, and that exposure is more closely monitored than in the general public. Most submariners will actually accumulate less exposure as they are not exposed to the sun, which is a large emitter of radiation.

Answer 2

That was the thinking back in the 50's-60's. I never thought I'd see women on air craft carriers. I never thought I'd see a woman in a 'cracker-jack' Navy uniform (pull over blouse with flap and neckerchief, bell bottoms). There are very few Navy ratings that a woman cannot be in presently. I truly believe there will come a day when women become part of the crew of our subs. Maybe not the smaller SSN's (fast attack) but the larger SSBN's and Trident subs. We never thought we'd see women in combat, but that is becoming common place in Iraq, since there is not a 'front line' there. In fact, there was a woman FA-14 (maybe the F-18) pilot off the USS Roosevelt CVN-71 that kicked the snot out of an Al-Quaida installation back in '01 or '02.
(USN/retired)

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I don't think so. Americans are uptight about the human body. Like women showing there breast is so wrong when it is so natural but guys can walk around with there shirts off with out a problem. What is up with that. Americans need to realize that it ok to so nude and not think of sex 'the body is a beautiful thing so why hide it behind clothes all the time. Until they get over it why send women on a ship with more mans then women on a ship.

Answer 5

a subs tour is sometimes for 3 months and 3 months underwater with a boatload of guys with nothing to do is crazy. on a ship yeah you can go on deck, make shops at ports and things like that, but a sub is on duty all the time.. there is no lets make a stop to the azores or something.. you are underwater and alone.

Answer 6

Ooops, I thought you said "Marines"

As far as submarines go, if everyone in these close quarters are grown up enough to use protection, what's the big deal gettin' it on a little? Don't tell me you think ALL guys in the Navy don't get it on with eachother.
However, I don't feel the need to go out and fight on another country's soil. If there isn't a man in the house, ok, I'll pick up a gun and defend my kidlets.

Answer 7

they already do work in close quarters with men. the problem on subs is distraction and the likely hood of sex. men and women get horny at an equal rate. they are down too long at times. a concern about subs should be the safety of the crew. is there any research about cancer rates of those that serve a career on subs? a person i know died of cancer within 5 years of retirement.

Answer 8

I have changed my mind regarding women near combat lines. I was in favor of it but based on the problems they have been causing, they blew it. I am now against it. I want only strong and smart and well trained young men up there.

I have no problem with women in command but fighting should be men's work.

As far as ships goes I am a little hesitant but I think I might be convinced if women continue to introduce problems where none existed before that they should lose the privilege.

Like Rush says, the military job is to kill people and break things. Anything that gets in the way of that mission helps the enemy.


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Answer 9

why you are bothering about them,let those marine guys enjoy yar.Most boring job is the work without women right!

Answer 10

I think this is pure discrimination aginst woman and I completly disagree... There many nations that alllow women to wrok in subs.