women in the milititary?

Question

im writting a report for English and i would like peoples opinion on women fighting in combat, should they be allowed to fight, or not? i would really like opinions from men and women in the military. thanks

Answer 1

Women can do anything that men can do...except write their name in the snow.

Answer 2

I am retired military, 22 years active, male and a Vietnam veteran.

I don't want to go into combat with a woman. And now, before someone castrates me for being a pig, let me say it has nothing to do with the woman's capability.

I am old school. I open doors, I hold chairs, I walk on the street side and I would probably get my fool self killed protecting some woman who doesn't need it. My consideration is almost genetic. I think I was born with it. It would be a reflex on my part but I would be just as dead as if it had been a well considered deed to sacrifice myself for another.

If men and women can treat each other as equals in combat I don't see an REASON not to put women on the front line. There are countless EXCUSES not to. Monthly cycles, hygiene, austere living and the list goes on. Not the least of which is the sexual attraction between men and women and the inevitable jealousy of those not successfully paired off.

The only REASON I can conceive of to keep women off of the front line is this macho ego of the men serving with them. I know, it's a weak reason, but I think until men chasing women is a thing of the past these men will be dieing in a foolish attempt to save the proxy's of their mothers, sisters, girlfriends, wives or daughters.

OK, there you go, my pedigree and opinion. Good luck on your paper.

Answer 3

I am an Active duty Army military police officer. We have females. same as the males some are good some are not. As MP's we have The ability to move fast and therefore can get to bases where you are able to take showers and attend to other hygien issues. in The infantry this is not the case you are in the feild for extended periods and in very close quarters. it gets to the point that you quit smelling everyones funk. Also as Infantry you pretty much carry all your gear on your back. The average weight of a rucksack is probably around 50 pounds with it often times being closer to 100 pounds. Thats not including your water, ammo, and weapon. So find a female that is able to all that and not require a shower or special treatment. The biggest thing ive noticed is most all of the women that make an issue over this want in but also want different rules. Thats from the Infantry side. From the MP side. We have females. They do the same job as males. They ARE in combat.

Answer 4

Well I'm not techinically in the military but I serve alongside hubby so here's my .02 for what it's worth:

NO. It causes more problems than it's worth. Seperate facilites, seperate rooms, different standards for PT, etc,etc,etc- things that just aren't always practical in a war zone. There is also the issue of hormones -- like it or not women are different than men (duh) and do operate more on emotions. That doesn't mean they can't do the job just different.

Men also feel the need to protect females more than male counterparts (built in) in stressful situations and therefore aren't always as focused on the actual mission. Not to mention throwing people far from home together in a tent is never a good idea -- lots of women in the Gulf war purposely got pregnant so they could be sent home and yes it still happens. (and no it wasn't usually hubby's baby).

I happen to be quite happy that hubby is in a combat arms unit and doesn't work with women very often. You can disagree or get all het up over what I have to say if you like but you asked for opinons and that's mine.

That being said women have been in combat before-- nurses in particular -- the front lines are often brought to you.

Answer 5

The fact of the matter is that no matter what the general public thinks, women are in combat even though they are in support elements. I was a Navy Officer who quickly found myself commanding a small element when the Army convoy left us behind. OBTW, I had to carry all the gear (including my own 40 lbs pack and weapon) that belong to a Major in the Army who went crazy because he couldn't handle the pressure. My Marines had to restrain him because he proved to be a threat to himself and his troops. I had no formal training, but I got my Marines (and a few soliders) to safety while under intermittent attacks because I was the highest ranking person who was able to lead.

I have heard all arguments for and against women in the military. Many comments were made by people who have never served with women or never served in the military (especially miltary wives). Until you served next a service member, will never recognize the full potential of a service member, both male and female.

I challenge all the people who are against women serving in combat...go to the nearest Veteran's hospital where injured men and women lay side by side. Look at that injured woman in the eyes and tell her that she shouldn't have fought in combat and sacrificed her physical well being because she's female.

About men being stronger than women, that's true. However, I have been in combat with 150 lbs male solider who had trouble carrying his own pack for the duration of our hump so we all rotated helping him out (myself included). There are men out there who would rather serve with this guy than to serve with a capable woman, which is pretty sad. Just a note, I'm a 130 lbs female.

My last note to the military wives. Unless you have served in the military before, quit commenting about it like you know what's going on. Just because your husbands are in the military doesn't make you an expert! I run into many wives, who have never served in the military before, who feel that they are experts in all aspects of the military. Let's put it this way, if you were married to a brain surgeon, does it make you an expert in brain surgery because you happen to be married to one?

Answer 6

Women should absolutely serve in the military. As for being in combat positions, why not? after all it's all about equality right. For decades women have complained about being treated differently than men, and doing the same job for less money (which is valid) I think this would eliminate that.

Women fought for equality and now you have it. Women have to accept equality at all levels.

Lastly, as a veteran, I've worked alongside women, and they performed equally as well. They didn't whine any more or less than thier male counterparts. Women in the military hell yes.

Answer 7

After being through training with military females, I can say that I would not want to mess with them. All the crap you hear about women being raped or beaten more than men is horseshit. I wouldn't look at some of these gals the wrong way let alone have any doubt that they would shoot my ***! There is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't be alowed to fight for the same things as me, as long as the combat effectiveness of the unit is not affected by their participation all the power to them.

Answer 8

If women can take it, mentally and pyhsically, to the degree men can, then sure, let's sign them up equally. I think every woman, before she is certified for combat, should have to be exposed to her best friends body parts being blown up, or her best buddy hanging from a tree, tortured, with his penis cut off and stuffed in his mouth. I then think she should be exposed to little kids blown up and strewn all over the countryside. She should have to have a couple of her best girlfriends die in her arms asking for their mommies.

I think if they can get through this training, then sure, go ahead, let them become warriors, defenders of freedom, motherhood and apple pie.

On second thought, maybe women should be allowed in combat if we have no men left and the women still want to fight for this country.

Answer 9

Yes, women can be just as good in combat as men. By the way women are in combat as we speak and are dying for our country just as men are.

Answer 10

I personally would not fight in combat..but if a woman has gone through all the proper training to fight in combat then so be it

Answer 11

As a former Marine I think that leave the infantry to the men and the rest should be open (and pretty much is). Ironically, I have yet to meet another female who wants to be infantry.

However, if she can pass the tests and is able and willing, let her.