Posted on Nov 19, 2014
Hagel says putting women in combat jobs is important, but not easy
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From: Marine Corps Times
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said integrating women into combat units is "not easy" but is an important change that will ultimately strengthen the force.
"We want to maximize all of our abilities, all of our talent, from all of our people in this country. It's the right thing to do," Hagel told about 200 Marines during a visit here Tuesday.
"We are a country … that believes strongly that every individual deserves the same opportunities — if you are capable and you qualify and you can do the job," Hagel said
"We're not going to lower standards."
During his visit to the Marine base, Hagel spoke with several female Marines who are currently training to serve in a combat arms unit. Most jobs in the combat arms career fields remain closed to women, but the services are preparing to lift most or all of those restrictions by January 2016.
The Marine Corps is training dozens of female Marines to serve in combat arms units. That process is under close study by officials both in and outside the military to help determine the best way to transition women into the operational force. Experts are tracking things like physical performance, injury rates and cultural dynamics that result from gender-integrated combat units.
The Army is undertaking a similar process.
Pentagon policy states that all gender-based restrictions will be lifted by January 2016. If service leaders determine that some jobs should remain men-only, they will have to submit a detailed request to the defense secretary for an exemption to the new policy.
Hagel acknowledged the challenges that the Army and Marine Corps face.
Related: Corps to tackle gender bias as combat jobs open to women
"I compliment everybody who is engaged in this effort. I know its not easy. I know we are dealing with cultural issues. We're dealing with standards. We're not going to lower standards," he said.
Cpl. Rebecca Floto is a 22-year-old Marine who has trained to become an anti-tank missleman. At a shooting range in the woods here, Floto was among several Marines on Tuesday who hustled up a hill and fired a shoulder-launch multi-purpose assault weapon, known as a SMAW
At just a little over 5 feet tall and 115 pounds, the powerful blast from the 83mm round shook her small frame.
"It's just a kick to the chest, but in a good way," she said moments later. "It's just an adrenalin rush."
Her current career field is combat camera, but she's eager to move into the combat arms if the Marine Corps' policy allows it.
"I just want to feel more a part of the Marine Corps mission, have more of a purpose," she said.
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2014/11/18/hagel-women-in-combat/19234481/
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said integrating women into combat units is "not easy" but is an important change that will ultimately strengthen the force.
"We want to maximize all of our abilities, all of our talent, from all of our people in this country. It's the right thing to do," Hagel told about 200 Marines during a visit here Tuesday.
"We are a country … that believes strongly that every individual deserves the same opportunities — if you are capable and you qualify and you can do the job," Hagel said
"We're not going to lower standards."
During his visit to the Marine base, Hagel spoke with several female Marines who are currently training to serve in a combat arms unit. Most jobs in the combat arms career fields remain closed to women, but the services are preparing to lift most or all of those restrictions by January 2016.
The Marine Corps is training dozens of female Marines to serve in combat arms units. That process is under close study by officials both in and outside the military to help determine the best way to transition women into the operational force. Experts are tracking things like physical performance, injury rates and cultural dynamics that result from gender-integrated combat units.
The Army is undertaking a similar process.
Pentagon policy states that all gender-based restrictions will be lifted by January 2016. If service leaders determine that some jobs should remain men-only, they will have to submit a detailed request to the defense secretary for an exemption to the new policy.
Hagel acknowledged the challenges that the Army and Marine Corps face.
Related: Corps to tackle gender bias as combat jobs open to women
"I compliment everybody who is engaged in this effort. I know its not easy. I know we are dealing with cultural issues. We're dealing with standards. We're not going to lower standards," he said.
Cpl. Rebecca Floto is a 22-year-old Marine who has trained to become an anti-tank missleman. At a shooting range in the woods here, Floto was among several Marines on Tuesday who hustled up a hill and fired a shoulder-launch multi-purpose assault weapon, known as a SMAW
At just a little over 5 feet tall and 115 pounds, the powerful blast from the 83mm round shook her small frame.
"It's just a kick to the chest, but in a good way," she said moments later. "It's just an adrenalin rush."
Her current career field is combat camera, but she's eager to move into the combat arms if the Marine Corps' policy allows it.
"I just want to feel more a part of the Marine Corps mission, have more of a purpose," she said.
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2014/11/18/hagel-women-in-combat/19234481/
Posted in these groups: 
Combat
Women in the Military
Combat Women in the Military
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 19
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My daughter is part of this study and I have no doubt she will graduate. This whole thing about women can't do this and can't do that have never seen a female in combat. I have and I can tell you that not only can they keep up but they tend to be more viscous. That is NOT meant to be condescending but more a statement of fact. Females in the military have always been told they can't do this or they are not strong enough to do that. This may be true for a small percentage but most can do and excel. This is why we call them troops, soldiers, marines, shipmates and not gender specific. 50 years ago we had a segregated military due to ignorance, lets not wait 50 years to bring the females into it. Just my 2 cents worth.
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SSG Peter Ludlum
SPC (Join to see) No worries I was just curious. I don't denigrate people if they don't share my opinion. I learned a long time ago from someone way wiser than me to remain teachable all my career. I know all about sensitive phones, My son and Daughters have to always fix it
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SPC (Join to see)
CPT Justin Rose Sir I apologize I did not mean to thumbs down, my phone is very sensitive
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SPC Donald Moore
I don't worry about their viciousness. I learned how dirty a woman can fight from two ex-wives. The think I worry about is their ability to carry the combat load. Infantry soldiers carry a great deal of weight and some women can do that, most can't. It is not a life for every person, even some men can't handle it. I have two daughters and if they were physically able and had the desire, I wouldn't tell them no. The point is, the physical requirement should not be lowered to allow them in because it will just set them up for failure in the field.
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So long as we keep the same standards for everyone. The job should have the standards applied and they should be met by anyone wishing to do the job. Period.
I have said it before and I will continue to say it, let's not lower standards just to look PC. The standards are there because the job requires them.
I have said it before and I will continue to say it, let's not lower standards just to look PC. The standards are there because the job requires them.
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The Israelis have been doing it for ages, and from what i understand have not dropped standards, why not phone a friend and ask for some input?
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SFC Mark Merino
I had a couple female friends in HS return senior year for mandatory training in Israel. I thought it was badass.
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