Women in Combat

U.S. military and citizens alike have a new topic to debate as of late: whether women should be allowed in combat situations or not.

On Jan. 24, 2013, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that the ban on women in combat would end.

The lifting of this ban is an effort to be more inclusive and give women the same chance as men to serve their country.

These women would still have to undergo and pass the standard strength and fitness tests within the military.

The debate surrounding this decision is reminiscent of another major feat: when President Bill Clinton lifted the ban on gays and lesbians in the military.

Women have, for some time, been serving in dangerous military situations. This would allow them to serve in all aspects of military capacities.

“There is little room for giving women special accommodations and conditions in combat. They will have to deal with the same discomfort, danger and loss of privacy as the men. If they do not bear the same duties, labors and risks as the men, they will not command the respect of their male comrades. Military women are up to the task,” said University of Illinois emeritus professor of history John Lynn.

Preventing women from serving in combat can also limit their ability to advance in the military.

However, some fear that this expansion will only be a detriment to military operations.

One female veteran who was deployed in Iraq shared her views to a fellow veteran in an email.

“I would have loved to be in the infantry. I think I could have done it physically, I could’ve met almost all the male standards (jumping aside), and I think I’m mentally tough enough to handle whatever came. But I would never do that to the men. I would never sacrifice the mission for my own desires. And I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if someone died because of me.”

The veteran also cites a lack of privacy in the close quarters of combat units; a tendency for some men to protect women at the expense of the mission; the physical limitations of women; and the media’s unwillingness to treat captured and tortured female soldiers just like their male counterparts as reasons she does not support women in combat.

This topic has proven to stir up quite a debate. Regardless of one’s personal views, the ultimate objective will be for everyone to support the future success of the military and the good of the country.