Women in Combat
Most people’s initial thought when they think of the military is of buff men shooting guns. Women are not typically thought of when we think about the military. But gradually over the past few decades, more and more women have been joining the armed forces, performing the same tasks as these buff, macho men that we associate with the military. With the integration of women into the military, the limitations that women have faced are starting to diminish. Most recently this has been helped with the 2013 Nation Defense Authorization Act that was passed by congress allowing women to fight in ground combat which opens more opportunities for women in the military.
With the approval of congress gender can longer prohibit whether a person can fight in direct ground combat. Before this, women were only allowed to hold positions that officially kept them out of direct combat even though often time’s women were found in situations that put them in just as much danger as men. Before the bill women could be combat pilots in the Navy or Air Force but ground combat in the Army, Air Force or Marines was prohibited. Currently in Iraq and Afghanistan, 144 women have died in action and over 900 have been wounded. With this bill, women can now receive official credit for their action that would not have been able to be recognized before this bill. But there are many people who believe that women are not physically capable to meet the same demands as most of the men in the military. Not only do some people believe that women are not physically fit enough for the military, they also believe that if women were to be fully integrated into the military that men would be distracted by their female coworkers. The men and women would develop inappropriate relationships amongst each other which would ultimately break down the authoritative chain of command that is so crucial to the military. In the military, the ultimate concern with the full integration of women is the ability of females to be able to perform at the same level as men and how that will affect the safety of other soldiers.
The idea that women are not able to compete physically with men is somewhat absurd. It is understandable to believe that there are some cases where women will not match up to men in their physical fitness, but does not mean that women should be denied the chance to try and prove themselves. Women should be given the same opportunities to prove themselves to others as men have in the military. Some women may fail just as some men fail. The argument goes back to the fundamental argument that gender equality is what most women strive for; we want the opportunity to prove ourselves, even if we fail in the end we want to be able to try. I am not arguing the women should receive special treatment in some cases and in the military that may give them an unfair advantage that would undermine the merit system of the military. I believe the main focus that should come from this bill is that the barriers that were once blocking women’s potential to advance through ranks in the military should be taken away, or even in some cases completely removed. For there to be an even playing field for all genders and then let that decide who will receive what rank, based on merit and personal qualifications, not your gender.
When it comes to women fighting in the military, we want to be able to protect them as much as possible, just as we would any young man who decides to enlist. But just as African Americas fought and just as gays and lesbians fought for equality in the military, the simple and ultimate goal is for an even playing field. We do not want and special treatment because our gender is seen as weaker, we just want the opportunity to prove ourselves to people and receive the credit we deserve when credit is due.
With the approval of congress gender can longer prohibit whether a person can fight in direct ground combat. Before this, women were only allowed to hold positions that officially kept them out of direct combat even though often time’s women were found in situations that put them in just as much danger as men. Before the bill women could be combat pilots in the Navy or Air Force but ground combat in the Army, Air Force or Marines was prohibited. Currently in Iraq and Afghanistan, 144 women have died in action and over 900 have been wounded. With this bill, women can now receive official credit for their action that would not have been able to be recognized before this bill. But there are many people who believe that women are not physically capable to meet the same demands as most of the men in the military. Not only do some people believe that women are not physically fit enough for the military, they also believe that if women were to be fully integrated into the military that men would be distracted by their female coworkers. The men and women would develop inappropriate relationships amongst each other which would ultimately break down the authoritative chain of command that is so crucial to the military. In the military, the ultimate concern with the full integration of women is the ability of females to be able to perform at the same level as men and how that will affect the safety of other soldiers.
The idea that women are not able to compete physically with men is somewhat absurd. It is understandable to believe that there are some cases where women will not match up to men in their physical fitness, but does not mean that women should be denied the chance to try and prove themselves. Women should be given the same opportunities to prove themselves to others as men have in the military. Some women may fail just as some men fail. The argument goes back to the fundamental argument that gender equality is what most women strive for; we want the opportunity to prove ourselves, even if we fail in the end we want to be able to try. I am not arguing the women should receive special treatment in some cases and in the military that may give them an unfair advantage that would undermine the merit system of the military. I believe the main focus that should come from this bill is that the barriers that were once blocking women’s potential to advance through ranks in the military should be taken away, or even in some cases completely removed. For there to be an even playing field for all genders and then let that decide who will receive what rank, based on merit and personal qualifications, not your gender.
When it comes to women fighting in the military, we want to be able to protect them as much as possible, just as we would any young man who decides to enlist. But just as African Americas fought and just as gays and lesbians fought for equality in the military, the simple and ultimate goal is for an even playing field. We do not want and special treatment because our gender is seen as weaker, we just want the opportunity to prove ourselves to people and receive the credit we deserve when credit is due.