Women joining combat arms; your thoughts?

I am so grateful for this tasteful discussion on the subject matter. Similar topics broached on FB (via Stolen Valor) have spawned comments that make me want to throat punch. Lol

On the topic, I do not think that the standards should be watered down for anyone in any way. If an individual can pass the already established criteria needed, then press on smartly. One knows (theoretically) what they are getting into and those incredible challenges are difficult for anyone. That is why they are SPECIAL Forces, not "Mediocre Forces". No whining, no b*tching. Get it done and your team will respect it.

I have an incredible respect for tab-wearers. Personally, I have no desire to try nor could I imagine doing it. There are some that will try and fail miserably--male and female. Good luck and Godspeed to all. :)

I always find this a troubling debate. It rears it's head here so often. I am not going to say some happy line like "if they can then why not." It isn't that simple. Life never is. I am not really on a side but I side with the facts.

1. Women are not physically endowed as men. Yes, I said it. It is just the way it is. Please don't complain to me as I didn't make it that way. This is why there are different scales for every services PT test. Some tasks are more suited to a male soldier than a female. You need not look further than the Marines Infantry Officer Course. Out of 27 females not one has made it past the ruck. It is not about meeting the bare minimal standard but we should only take the best in our combat leadership positions. If one makes it I will have no issue. Males even fail out there. If they can't handle it they shouldn't be there either. It doesn't make you any less honorable to serve in another capacity. I am just thinking of the combat load of a 11B M240 gunner with rounds or a 11C with a 81mm mortar base plate.

2. There is a culture of unity that will be changed in the combat arms. To be honest if they say that women will be in the infantry they will have to deal with it but there will be some time till they are accepted. If they are not able to perform on the same levels as a male soldier, reason #1, they may never be accepted. You would pretty much put women in isolated locations with a group of soldiers for long duration of time. I would be concerned about her mental welfare in that environment.

I understand the accommodation part of this. The question I have is accommodating a group of soldiers impacting the overall readiness of a unit? If not, fine. I don't even know what other issues would arise. This is something that we can't say just say "Sure" and that equal rights must prevail. It isn't that simple. I have a daughter. I would want nothing more than for her to be the first Airborne Ranger in the Army but It would put some huge demands on any female soldier. I think the Army is looking into it and will do a fair analysis of the situation. We will see how this turns out.

I want to respond to the selective service portion first. At 21 I enlisted in the Air Force and met all the qualifications of my job in the supply sq. I worked in various areas of the warehouse and docks. When items were too big and heavy I picked them up with a fork lift. I see nothing wrong with extending equality to women by requiring them to sign up for selective service. I also think a mandatory time in the armed service like Israel would be good for our young men AND women.

As for women in combat roles I believe that should be voluntary for those physically and mentality qualified. The ones that can't make it get cross-trained into another field.