Women In Combat; Fighting A Losing Battle

photo from:http://www.military.com/news/article/politics-likely-to-keep-women-out-of-combat-units.html?ESRC=eb.nl

Okay well this just ruined my day.  I had such high hopes that women would finally be treated as fully equal to the males.  I guess not.  Yet again our equality has been put on the back burner.  I thought for sure with the repeal of the DADT (don't ask don't tell) the next logical step would be to allow women to enter into the combat infantry jobs.

Of course, as per usual, it all boils down to the politics.  The squeaky wheel gets the grease and someone isn't squeaking a loudly as they did for the gay population as they should be for equal rights for women in the military.  Yes, I know women are considered to have those equal rights already, but when we are denied certain jobs because of our gender that is far from equality.

Some of you might ask why it bothers me so much since I'm just an Army Wife?  Well its because I think that all women should have equal opportunities in all areas of the military and civilian jobs.  Just because our reproductive parts are on the inside doesn't mean we can't do the job.  Ask a female body builder if she can lift more than the average male soldier and you might find out that she can.  I get tired of hearing that our bodies aren't strong enough.  If our bodies aren't strong enough then how come we can give birth vaginally to eight pound babies without anesthetic?  Not to mention that labor lasts for hours.  So I ask, why are they afraid of us not being able to handle the possibility of being held prisoner and tortured?  Why do they think that we'll cave to our emotions?  Have they never seen an enraged female protecting their loved ones?

Good grief!  To you politicians out there, wise up.  Women are equal to men in every aspect.  We women deserve the chance to prove ourselves.  Oh and don't tell me that we might be risking other lives while trying to prove ourselves in combat.  Males in the infantry combat positions that have yet to prove themselves risk other lives just as much as the untested female counterparts.

Feel free to weigh-in on your opinions.  I'd love to know what my readers are thinking about this post.

Women In Combat; One Step Closer

photo from: Panel To Recommend Allowing Women In Combat

As stated previously in my post, Women In Combat, I feel as though women are capable of holding combat positions with the proper training.  I like the idea of women in combat.

It has been shown that when women are in combat it creates a better unit cohesiveness.  It improves morale.  A properly trained soldier, whether male or female, will do their job without regard to their sex. 

My previous posting of this hot topic showed how many people were for and against women being in combat.  Some of my readers posted on Facebook their support of women in combat.  Other readers posted how they didn't want women in combat and their shallow reasoning as to why.  What are we afraid of?  Are we afraid that our husbands are going to have sex with these female soldiers?  Seriously ladies if they were going to cheat they wouldn't wait for the war zone, they'd cheat at home too. 

Is it because you think a woman can't handle the job?  No soldier is required to lift beyond their capacity as in you aren't going to see a sixty-two inch tall woman hefting over her shoulders a seventy-two inch male and carrying him across the battle zone.  Drag the guy yes, two person carry most likely. All soldiers are trained for their jobs and continue to receive countless hours of training for their job throughout their careers. 

Some readers made comments on how the hygiene would be a big issue for females.  I think females, properly trained on field conditions, know what to do and how to stay clean.  They do train both sexes of soldiers on field hygiene.

There are women in combat roles already, so what is so wrong with changing their job title to that of front line combat?  What are we afraid of?  Women in the military chose the jobs that they want just like their male counterparts do when entering into the service.  Its not like women are going to be forced into the combat positions without proper training.

For those of you against women in combat, well its time to re-think your position.  We will be entering those traditionally male only roles and very soon.

Good luck to the female soldiers.  Thank you for your sacrifices.

Women In Combat

Photo from news article, Army Mulls Women In Combat Arms Units.

Personally I like the idea of combat jobs in the US Army opening up to women.  Women have been in combat already but still aren't allowed to hold infantry positions which would put them on the front lines.

I also think that we should have a more uniform Army and that women entering BCT, Basic Combat Training, should be required to shave their heads just like their male counterparts.  I'm sure that there are a few that would disagree with the hair cut of my design but its for hygiene reason.  Think about rolling around in the mud with long hair falling down in your eye from your bun or however it has been pulled up with the bobby pins.  Shave it off and you won't have to worry about the hair issue.  Hair does grow back.

I asked my husband a few weeks ago about the issue of women in combat positions.  He believe that for hygiene reason, menstruation, that it just won't happen.  There are medications that can be taken that will just about stop the menstrual cycle completely when administered properly.

What other hygiene reason now?  The hair, maybe, but see above how I feel on that issue.

Is it because we have breasts?  Well I've seen enough guys in their uniform that have breasts that rival mine and I'm far from being flat chested.

Is it that we pee in a squat position?  Well the guys have to squat to defecate and expose their butts so what if we do it  for both.

Is it that they are afraid that we'd get raped?  Um, well hate to tell you guys but you can also get raped and I'm sure its not going to be something you'll enjoy.  Should we take men out of combat because they might get raped?

Is it our hormones?  If you are afraid of our hormone cycles then you shouldn't have a girlfriend, wife, or a female child.  It doesn't matter whether the female is in combat or on the homefront we are still going to have hormone challenges just as is the male counterpart.  Oh wait did I just say that men get hormonal?  Yes I did.  Its called Irritable Man Syndrom, IMS.  Its a proven fact that men also cycle through their hormones and get cravings for particular foods.  Usually its beer and beef but we all know that beer will bloat you too and make you cranky if you can't fit into your pants.  Maybe that is why they started making low calorie beers, too many men complaining about bloat?

But in all seriousness I know of several female soldiers that would love to have the chance to be in combat positions.  Not all of us females are stupid enough to take our rifles into the showers to clean them.  Give women an equal shake in the US Army.  We can do the job.