Women in the military have a history that extends over 4,000 years, transending vast numbers of cultures and nations. They have played many roles in the military, from ancient warrior women, to the women currently serving as combat pilots, military police, and in roles as senior leaders.
Despite various roles in the armies of past societies, the role of women in the military, particularly in combat, is controversial and it is only recently that women have begun to be given a more prominent role in contemporary armed forces. As increasing numbers of countries begin to expand the role of women in their militaries, the debate continues.
What should be the role of women in the military?
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When I first entered the military, I lived in WAC Circle, a reminder of the old Women's Army Corps, at Fort McClellan. That installation was a victim of BRAC, just as the idea that women's service was different or inferior to men's service in the military and throughout society.
ReplyDeleteWhile acceptance and equality has come a long way in the US, we can continue to look forward to more changes in the future. Just recently the naval policy changes allowing women to work aboard submarines is another good example. While it looks like the ban on gays opening serving in the military will be dissolved before women are allowed to serve in combat arms, this is the next logical change. It may take a few more years, but the time will come.
The debate over women serving in combat arms branches is becoming weaker over the years, and small steps are being made toward it. As an MP Officer, I am now in the Maneuver, Fires, and Effects category along with the traditional combat arms. Additionally women continue to prove that they can excel in positions throughout the military. GEN Dunwoody has become the first female four star general, a rank women had previously not achieved.
In other blogs, I have seen a lot of discussion about the ability of women to serve in traditional combat arms, or their ability to perform in their current positions in the military, many with personal examples of inadequate or inferior female leaders. For all of these, I can provide examples of just as many inadequate or inferior male leaders that I have worked for. Because there are significantly fewer women than men, it is logical that the few females that many combat arms officers interact with will have a great impact on their opinions. It is unfortunate that there are women who have to have a bathroom to put their makeup on in the field, or when they become pregnant find themselves unable to perform any tasks but just fill an office in a unit, but that is just the personality of those particular individuals. For each of those, I know three outstanding female Soldiers who serve selflessly, can outrun or outruck 90% of their male peers, and consistently outperform every other officer in their unit.
Bottom line, it is not about the sex of the soldier, but their ability to perform in whatever job they are given and their potential for future service.