Here's the link. I can't believe they've come to this. It's a known physical fact that women are NOT built like men... both physically and mentally. If they were they'd be playing college football and boxing. I find it hard to believe that some 100 pound girl would have been able to drag my wounded butt off the battlefield in Vietnam. I just think we're going down a road to destruction of our military. It just isn't smart. Oh sure, somewhere there's a girl here and a girl there that could do it.... but this new order doesn't allow you to be selective. Dumb.... just Dumb. http://news.msn.com/politics/panetta-removes-military-ban-on-women-in-combat
I personally don't agree with it either. I believe this has the potential to cause more trouble than expected.
oddly though israeli special forces has had women operatives for years. I think a lot of it is more of a social issue than a competence issue. their are a lot of female firefighters that have to carry 200lb men to finish training. while I don't agree with the policy change, obviously a woman somewhere sued or threatened to sue over being MOS limited. I would tend to think the public would be more outraged by women dying in combat but there is a huge portion of the population that seams to forget we have soldiers overseas. the media never shows what is going on or reports casualties or injuries. if you look back at wwII and veitnam newspapers they showed a lot of graphic pictures of war injuries. in a attempt to be "politicly correct" our country is being turned into a bunch of sisies (my opinon only yours may vary)
So they say. I still can't see a 120 pound women dragging my wounded *** out of a firefight. They have limitations... and the people making all these new exceptions have no idea what a severe fire fight is like. It can go on for hours and it seems like a flash... and a lot of bad **** happens. There are exceptions to everything... but a blanket "let all the women go to a line unit" is just stupid. I'll except the exceptional... but she better be able to show the exceptional. I'm grateful I got to fight a war without this worry.
It's gonna hurt them I think. I was talking to 2 close friends this afternoon and this came up. One an army ranger with 1 year to go and the other a marine scout sniper with 7 months. Both had no though of getting out till today. When they heard this they decided they feel they have done enough and will be looking to get out when their time is up. It's a shame, 2 great additions to our military. But I don't blame them, they don't feel safe thinking that the person who may have their back next time could be someone who can not handle it. I'm all for women having equal rights and believe that there are plenty out there that could do just fine. But, I don't see this as a good idea. It makes me worry for all my soldier friends for sure.
But then... I didn't have a whole lot of weight on me in Vietnam either. LOL I dropped down to about 135 in my second tour after 8 months in the field. I was skin and bones. 2 months after leaving the field I was up to 160 This picture is me at 169 on my wedding day.
I agree that women arent built like men, but have you seen some of the men in the army. Id much rather choose a fit woman to pull me out than some fat slob or scrawny man. It's all about fitness and competence like someone stated above. Ive seen alot women have alot more guts than alot of men. Is it all muscles that will win a fight? Isnt it NOT the size of a dog in a fight but the size of the fight in a dog? In biblical terms we use david and goliath. Sure I agree that some people might leave because of it, but, on a whole there will always be replacement that will do just as well or better. Women are already in combat.
You are correct in a sense, women are in combat but primarily in support roles, not out on the front line and kicking doors in. How do I know this? 17 years in service and two trips to Afghanistan.....we do have female pilots who have seen combat up close and personal but I don't agree with women being out there with the Infantry, kickin doors in and going to Ranger school.
While I disagree with the gov't decision to go ahead with this, you're mind set towards womens physcal abilities may be a little outdated. Not saying this is where the combat arms will be pulling their women from, but it could be a start. 150 squats? No thanks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSeu_7TJr_Y
This is absolutely wrong. Women do not belong in combat. I agree 100% with everything Mr. Miller posted. This idea is just another example of liberal, women's rights nonsense. And will you people please stop bringing up Israel? That's a tiny country surrounded by people who want to destroy it. EVERYBODY has to be able to fight there. The same would be true if we were ever invaded. Wake up people. Boys and girls are different! Sort of like rams and ewes-same principle
It's good to know some speak for all women and give them their voice, because one voice stating what some should and should not do is better then letting folks choose what they want.
My first wife could put Dave over here shoulder and run him out of the battle field....even if he put up a fight, lol.
It's good to know some folks who have never served think they have a voice in this. Yes, there are some women who are in great shape, it's not about that. One thing is society's view, how much worse will things get when the girl who is out there with, say, the Rangers get captured and beheaded on tv. Germ, sometimes you have some great points on here, other times you just push YOUR thoughts and opinions on everyone. Go spend some time in Afghanistan and see how things are, how the culture there views women then give your opinion.
Actually women were out there kicking in doors, less now since combat units have taken on the role, but in thebeginning everyone including cooks and women were kicking in doors. If they pass Ranger School, I dont see why they shouldnt be in combat units. They make as great of Soldiers and Leaders as men. Though you dont agree that people who have never served are making decisions on this, but who do you think Congress is made up of?
Why would I care how other countries view women? If a soldier makes a choice to fight, who am I (me not you) to say they cannot fight if they choose?
I guess if they can pass the exact same physical and mental training as the men, and they WANT to, then sure, let em fight. I know in training these men have to carry eachother at times to simulate a man down and all that. If the women can carry the same MAN, same 200+ lbs of dead weight as far as the other men had to do, and follow all other requirements equal to what the men do, then I can see it. I know all through school, women always had much lighter physical requirements then we did. They didnt have to do as many push ups and sit ups and didnt have to finish runs in the same amount of time we did and all that. If the military treats them like that, says they only have to lift 120 when the guys are lifting 200 (just an example, not saying those are exact numbers) then why not? I wonder about them mentally as well, but thats another story and I wont get into it lol
