Hagel says putting women in combat jobs is important, but not easy

Marine Corps Times — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 10:02:39 -0500

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/

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2014 10:10 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 10:10:01 -0500

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?

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Nov 19 at 2014 10:15 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 10:15:12 -0500

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.

Response by SSG Peter Ludlum made Nov 19 at 2014 10:25 AM

SSG Peter Ludlum — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 10:25:54 -0500

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.

Response by SSG Peter Ludlum made Nov 19 at 2014 11:21 AM

SSG Peter Ludlum — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 11:21:29 -0500

So lets talk WITHOUT the race card please. It makes me wanna puke at the lack of professionalism.

Response by SGT William Howell made Nov 19 at 2014 11:32 AM

SGT William Howell — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 11:32:54 -0500

So what is a combat job? I understand the traditional "combat job", but when have we had a front line to send those people to? We now battle everywhere in the combat zone. We now fight IEDs and ambushes 2 miles from FOBs.

The reality is that every soldier, Marine, sailor, and airman in country is a combat troop wither they are civil affairs or infantry. We have placed females in harms way over the last 10 years everyday. It is why the army came out with the CAB for support troops. It is not just the infantry kicking in doors and engaging the enemy in the modern military. Everybody is engaged at this time.

The only thing that is going to change is that it is going to be on a piece of paper that females are accepted in combat rolls. They are already there doing a fine job for over a decade.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Nov 19 at 2014 12:51 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 12:51:29 -0500

My question is why does Cpl. Rebecca Floto not think that her current MOS is an important part of the Marine Corps and what she does has purpose? I think I would not be happy with Cpl. Flota I was combat cameraman.

Of course, she is right, Infantry, and especially Anti-Armor Infantry, is the most important job in the military. Where she is in error is that a MAW is as important as a HAW system...but I have hope she will learn from her errors.

Response by SFC Pete Meyer made Nov 19 at 2014 1:05 PM

SFC Pete Meyer — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 13:05:13 -0500

His I fool... Strengthen ???? I don't think so..... This is nothing but a agenda push.... And to weaken our forces...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2014 1:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 13:27:50 -0500

A women place in this world is not for me or any one else to decide, but it is for the women to decide for themselves. Women are just as strong, and if they want to fight along side their brothers in arms within the combat arm's branches, then I would say good on them and go for it.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 3:50 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 03:50:13 -0500

We went through this transition in the submarine force over the last 2-3 years now, and to be honest it has turned out better than I expected. While I have only dealt directly with one female officer, her level of professionalism was higher than a vast majority of the men I have worked with. While there where a handful that screwed up royally, they were dealt with like any other sailor would. I think most the women knew they something to prove and they have performed very well from the little I have seen and heard. The next challenge we face is integrating the enlisted side, which will be another challenge in and of itself.

As long as one standard is maintained and that is understood by all, then I see no reason why it should not happen. If there is no intent on maintaining a similar standard, then frankly we need to go back to the drawing board and find a way to do it the right way.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 20 at 2014 2:59 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 14:59:06 -0500

I don't envy the SECDEF but it is past due. If they are qualified there is no job that they should be denied to include combat.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Nov 20 at 2014 8:17 PM

SPC Donald Moore — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:17:55 -0500

I don't worry about the viciousness of females, I learned how dirty a woman can fight from two ex-wives, the thing 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.

Response by PFC Zane Collins made Nov 20 at 2014 8:58 PM

PFC Zane Collins — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:58:04 -0500

I personally agree a a few of the previously posted statements. As long as there is 1 standard, instead of gender based standards I see no problems with it. The world has changed and with it the ideals that govern us. If a female service member has the resolve to endure the training and the rigors of the job, more power to her.

Response by SP5 Roberta Sanchez made Nov 23 at 2014 1:32 PM

SP5 Roberta Sanchez — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 13:32:02 -0500

Don't you DARE lower standards. Women are not there for target practice for people who think they are not being fairly treated. There are women who will meet and exceed the standards. YOu just have to find them.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 23 at 2014 2:12 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 14:12:14 -0500

Okay, I'll be the 'bad guy' here. First, let me say that if ANYONE wants to go into a combat MOS, then I am totally okay with it, as long as they are able to meet the standard. Not the his/her standard, the standard. I find it kind of funny that we are talking about letting female Soldiers into combat roles using one standard, yet we still have two separate standards for the APFT. Shouldn't we start at 'one standard' here before going moving forward with 'one standard' for MOS training?

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Nov 23 at 2014 3:12 PM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 15:12:12 -0500

Lets look at the 68W. Both men and women. It was called the Combat Medic until someone realized it was not politically correct and changed the name to Health Care Specialist because females can not be in combat roles. The responsibilities did not change nor did the required qualifications. Both men and women are on the battler field or front lines risking everything to bring everyone home. Both men and women are on patrol (with their gear, aid bag, weapon, ect) spend weeks away from the fob, save lives, dodge bullets and fire back. Being a Medic regardless of the "politically correct" title is a combat role that females have excelled in for years.

Now lets address the APFT. As a female I have to do less push-ups and have a longer 2 Mile run time than males do to pass an APFT but that is where the differences stop. In AIT if you can not drag/lift a 150lb to 200lb mannequin or battle (unassisted) you do not pass. No one looks at you and says "well she's a female so its ok". You are training for life and death situations and there is not a male and female standard. There is only one standard and it is a Go or NoGo. So in my opinion as long as the AIT requirements are equal the APFT argument is invalid.

Response by SFC Brian Vasquez made Nov 23 at 2014 4:28 PM

SFC Brian Vasquez — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 16:28:57 -0500

This has been a long debate..if u ask most women besides those who have something to prove..they will tell u that they dont want a combat job. In combat a man will save a woman before a man...this will be an issue..a woman is not made like a man and she has to clean herself more frequently or develop yeast infection etc.....were as a man does not. Our world is changing because of social media and politics. If women are allowed in specific combat jobs..it must be respectfully thought out right so to not cause issues.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 5:18 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:18:21 -0500

It's not that difficult. You just parachute them there and get out of the way. They'll do just fine.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 23 at 2014 5:19 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:19:54 -0500

I am proud of the Marine Corps for their work on this issue. I know it's sensitive and people can make arguments either way for whether this affects units, etc. -- based on a pre-existing bias they have. But my feeling is that women absolutely deserve the chance to serve in these roles if they can achieve the same standards as their male counterparts in order to hold those roles. Many women have fought and bled for this country, and many more have performed very well as leaders at various levels in our military. No matter what the Marine Corps or DoD says about this issue, there will always be detractors who say the military is getting weak and dying from the inside out, and really at that point you just have to accept that there are some people whose opinions are impossible to change.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Feb 2 at 2017 7:44 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 07:44:40 -0500

When was anything worth doing easy?