Specialist Monica Brown, a U.S. Army medic, received a Silver Star for valor in March. Brown is the second female since World War II to earn the medal for her gallant actions while in combat in Iraq.
Should women be exposed to combat?
Women in the U.S. military are now a fact of life. American servicewomen are flying jets and helicopter gunships, driving and fixing trucks, searching suspected terrorists, patching the wounded and, in some cases, killing the enemy up close. Is that a good thing?
As the nation's warriors enter their sixth year in the Iraq war, more women are on the battleground than at any time in U.S. history. They now make up between 10 and 15 percent of the forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. "Reality is, we can't fill (forward support companies) without females," one Iraq veteran told the Defense Department for a recent report on the assignment of women. Another said flatly that American forces "can't accomplish the mission without women."
But the debate continues about whether women should serve an even greater role by joining men in ground combat units. Are women strong enough, mentally and physically? Will they kill when they have to? Can men and women work together at the grueling pace of combat operations? Is integrating women into combat a sign of progress or a mistake?
Thoughts
Why shouldn't women fight too?
Submitted on April 18th, 2008 by Chuck_JohnsonI subscribe to the notion that nations are collections of individuals with shared interests.
As such, I find it pretty appalling that women, who are physically fit and mentally adept, do not fight. Still, I can understand the women of the decision. It is, I imagine, psychologically quite difficult to take the death of women on the battlefield.
Chuck Johnson is a student at Claremont McKenna College. Feel free to contact him.
Women in Combat
Submitted on April 17th, 2008 by chief28.retAs a 25 year veteran, there are many women I would never want in combat...probably about as many as the number of men I would never want in battle.
We need to get over our cultural anxiety about women in combat and look at competence...and I believe after many years of living, working, and serving with women both in non-combat and in relatively hostile environments, that they are as competent as any man when properly motivated, trained, and prepared for the task they are asked to perform.
Save for the notable media-exposed exceptions, most women understand the risk, educate those of us who were young and ignorantly chauvinistic, and retain their dignity through uncommon strength and unwavering dedication.
I believe women should be allowed...no MUST be allowed to serve in combat.
The equality of women
Submitted on April 17th, 2008 by Nguyen.I believe that women should be allowed to participate in armed combat. They can prove to be just as tough and as fit as men.
Studies also have shown that women are less nauseous around blood and injury. Experts believe this has something to do with having to deal with blood as part of their period.
So in light of this, and the equality inclined society we live in, there is no reason to keep women off the front lines, other than the ones that can be called up involving chivalry, which I think became antiquated once it was agreed that women were equal and could take care of themselves.
I also think that the draft should be expanded to include women as well. It just isn't fair and equal that men can be compelled to serve the country, but women cannot. But that's a discussion for another time and another topic.
Re: The discussion
Submitted on April 17th, 2008 by JoelSo, Anon, we understand you have passionate feelings about this. We just don't know what they are. Is it pathetic that women are in combat? Or pathetic that women can't fully participate in their country's defense? Elaborate just a little, please?
The fact that this is even
Submitted on April 17th, 2008 by AnonymousThe fact that this is even up for discussion is a reflection of the pathetic state of our society.
WOMEN ARE VETERANS TOO !!
Submitted on April 17th, 2008 by janmbWomen are veterans too!
There are almost two million women veterans from the American Revolution to Panama, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq , women have served in some way in every conflict.
Not that they were legal in the early days. History tells us that thirty three thousand women served in World War One and almost 500,000 took part in World War Two. During the Korean era 120,000 women were in uniform and seven thousand were deployed in theater during Viet Nam. During Desert Storm seven per cent of the total U.S. forces deployed were women - over forty thousand of them. If you chose to do a search you will find accomplishments of those women who have served this country - voluntarily - since it's beginning.