Posted on Nov 19, 2014
Hagel says putting women in combat jobs is important, but not easy
19K
152
95
13
13
0
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 11 y ago
Responses: 19
15
15
0
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.
(15)
(0)
(3)
(0)
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
(1)
(0)
SPC (Join to see)
CPT Justin Rose Sir I apologize I did not mean to thumbs down, my phone is very sensitive
(1)
(0)
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.
(0)
(0)
10
10
0
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.
(10)
(0)
7
7
0
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?
(7)
(0)
SFC Mark Merino
I had a couple female friends in HS return senior year for mandatory training in Israel. I thought it was badass.
(3)
(0)
5
5
0
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.
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.
(5)
(0)
SGT William Howell
Roger that LTC Wasserman. Fight your way on to Route Irish, Fight your way off it!
(1)
(0)
SSG John Erny
LTC Richard Wasserman Sir,
1 I have nothing against women doing anything in the military
2 They have to meet the standard for say Earning the Green Beret, no different than a male
3 The PC police will scream discrimination at anything
4 If we get in a WWII style war are the American People willing to see their daughters coming home in body bags by the tens of thousands?
I am not taking sides on this, just asking a question, What say you RP followers?
1 I have nothing against women doing anything in the military
2 They have to meet the standard for say Earning the Green Beret, no different than a male
3 The PC police will scream discrimination at anything
4 If we get in a WWII style war are the American People willing to see their daughters coming home in body bags by the tens of thousands?
I am not taking sides on this, just asking a question, What say you RP followers?
(0)
(0)
SGT William Howell
Since the Global War on Terror began, 160 servicewomen have died serving our country. Should you or I decide if any American should be allowed the right to lay down their life for their shipmates, fellow soldiers, airmen, or marines? How would you feel if someone told you you were too much of a man to be lost in combat?
I am very passionate about this topic because I ran the roads in Iraq and Afghanistan with female and male soldiers. They engaged the enemy and were every bit as much of a soldier as the next person. I received my CAB and right next to me my gunner received hers. If a female can pass the infantry school without lowering the standard then they should be allowed to do so.
I am very passionate about this topic because I ran the roads in Iraq and Afghanistan with female and male soldiers. They engaged the enemy and were every bit as much of a soldier as the next person. I received my CAB and right next to me my gunner received hers. If a female can pass the infantry school without lowering the standard then they should be allowed to do so.
(0)
(0)
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.
(4)
(0)
SPC(P) Jay Heenan
Agreed, that is exactly what I was saying with the exception that female Soldiers currently serve with different standards. To make my position completely clear...if you can meet or exceed the standards, then I don't care what gender you happen to be.
(1)
(0)
4
4
0
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.
(4)
(0)
SPC Donald Moore
I figure the Army already has different standards for male and female, so it will probably just continue in the same way.
The Marines are making the females hit the same standard as the males.
The Army will probably just lower the standards for everyone.
The Marines are making the females hit the same standard as the males.
The Army will probably just lower the standards for everyone.
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
So lets talk WITHOUT the race card please. It makes me wanna puke at the lack of professionalism.
(4)
(0)
MSG Brad Sand
SP5 Roberta Sanchez
Our military has seemed to have done okay so far? The military is a reflection of the culture...women have been involved in combat throughout mankind’s history, when a culture reaches certain level of stability and sophistication, it will provide a higher level of protection to it is women and children. We seemed to have reached level of stability where those who were protected in the past now demand that they be placed in harm’s way?
I have seen mention of the IDF, the Israelis’ place women in combat roles because they lack the manpower and the threat is such that they would be unable to protect anyone…the term danger close seem to appropriately define their situation. From a historical, cultural and social aspect, I find this whole thing fascinating. There is no right or wrong, but I would continue to say, be careful what you ask for. IF we are going to allow women to volunteer for all military jobs, I think these same people pushing for these women’s ‘rights’ need to demand that ALL women need to be registered with the Selective Service before they can qualify for any government aid…like their male counterparts. I have not heard that yet? Rights have responsibilities, responsibilities protect rights.
Our military has seemed to have done okay so far? The military is a reflection of the culture...women have been involved in combat throughout mankind’s history, when a culture reaches certain level of stability and sophistication, it will provide a higher level of protection to it is women and children. We seemed to have reached level of stability where those who were protected in the past now demand that they be placed in harm’s way?
I have seen mention of the IDF, the Israelis’ place women in combat roles because they lack the manpower and the threat is such that they would be unable to protect anyone…the term danger close seem to appropriately define their situation. From a historical, cultural and social aspect, I find this whole thing fascinating. There is no right or wrong, but I would continue to say, be careful what you ask for. IF we are going to allow women to volunteer for all military jobs, I think these same people pushing for these women’s ‘rights’ need to demand that ALL women need to be registered with the Selective Service before they can qualify for any government aid…like their male counterparts. I have not heard that yet? Rights have responsibilities, responsibilities protect rights.
(0)
(0)
Sgt Wayne Horton
I see both sides...however I can only say that it's difficult for men and women to fight side by side in a pure combat sense, 1st logistically wise two separate bathing sleeping facilities. Now women all other roles ie pilots and other support roles I am all in. One final question, do you believe men would follow their sergeants, if there were women to be protected. food for thought.
(0)
(0)
SSG Peter Ludlum
Sgt Wayne Horton First off separate bathing maybe, sleeping not separate now. Except for active duty I guess, In the Guard our women sleep in the same tents as men. We learned to respect that. As for following a female SGT that is the kind of thinking we are trying to get rid of. Protection? no not likely, again we have to get past what gender is in the uniform and only worry about the fact that we are all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Several of my Squad Leaders were female and I found if I didn't treat them different as the PSG then the troops didn't either. It is up to us the NCO's to break the stigma. I trained with the Isrealies in the 80's and let me tell you don't F with the women cause they will put you in your place rather unceremoniously. I saw it several times and maybe that is why today I have the thought process I have. Lastly if those men are subordinate they better damn well follow their leaders like thy have been trained to. In combat there is no time to second guess your leaders. You trained together to deploy, you already know they made the cut or they wouldn't be there. Semper Fi!
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
3
3
0
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.
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.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
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.
(3)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google