I get the idea of allowing females to be part of combat arms (11B), but why allow this distraction into SWC units? What are your thoughts?

Landrew Usoalii S. — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 01:34:36 -0500

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 1:38 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 01:38:34 -0500

My wife gets yeast infections and she is not in a combat environment. I wonder what's going to happen to females who have issues when they don't have a clean environment and they can't shower regularly and it's a 120ﾟ and humid ? I remember talking to a soldier who was part of desert shield and he basically only had 2 uniforms and he wore them for months and they were basically falling apart. I wonder what's going to happen to women's high gene under that environment? Some women are very strong. I'm just concerned about the hygiene.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 1:44 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 01:44:42 -0500

Post script to my last Statement, women are going to have to carry antibiotics with them out into the field To mitigate yeast infections. A yeast infection can become worse and then become a bladder and kidney infection making that person non mission capable and ambulatory.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Feb 26 at 2020 2:26 AM

SPC Nancy Greene — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 02:26:21 -0500

As a female who served on a ‘Combat Post’ 1986-87; I would not want to be 11B!
However; with the new MOS specific PFT, there ‘might’ be some females who could actually pass.
That being said, I had issues with NCO’s ‘reclassing’ into AG Corps without ‘proper’ training. This ‘clogged’ the System. I believe qualification for any MOS Should be Basic & then MOS specific!
Furthermore, what has happened to ‘weight’ standards? I am literally’seeing’ overweight SM’s in various Branches of the Military! The Army ‘used to’ adhere to strict weight standards.
I have seen & am still seeing overweight SM’s looking ‘pitiful’ in Military Uniform.
Naval Hospital atCamp LeJeune had extremely overweight Officers who were Doctors and Nurses. The Navy ‘supports’ the USMC. If the Navy Doctors & Nurses had to at LeJeune HAD to deploy on ships, they would not be ‘Combat Ready’.
IMHO, ALL SM’s should be treated equally. MOS specific PFT after basic PFT should ‘eliminate’ the question of ‘Combat Readiness’. I know Army Combat Medic Officers who HAD to complete Infantry Training!
So, MOS specific qualification standards ‘should’ eliminate the question of ‘Combat Readiness’!
If implemented correctly, this should resolve this issue!
If anyone wants to be 11B, they should have to pass the Infantry Course & MOS specific advanced training. Also, anyone who wants to be AG, JAG, or Medical; Should be able to pass basic PFT & advanced ADMIN Courses!
That ‘should’ resolve these issues.
However; standards Must be Established & Adhered to!
I was one of fifty females out of 3,500 Soldiers stationed in Garlstedt Germany. We All ( females) we’re required to maintain Physical Readiness. Although, my injury from Basic caused Permanent Physical restraints regarding the ‘run’, I swam a mile every day when my Unit and the entire DIV ran. The other portions of the PFT, I was able to pass!
When the DIV was on ‘Alert’ or engaged in a Combat Mission, I was issued a weapon & expected to be a Soldier & NCOIC of Enlisted Promotions. When the DIV ‘loaded up’ to ‘ Move Out’, I packed up everything needed to perform in my MOS & did this with my M16A1 rifle ‘in hand’.
If All of AG wasn’t ‘Mission Essential’, we were ‘Rear Detachment’ and we’re ‘locked on Post’ during the Duration of the Mission. Support BN’s Actually Supported the Battalions!
Just My Two Cents.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 4:02 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 04:02:07 -0500

Their power level is over 9000. EO and SHARP is more dangerous than the most skilled weapons squad.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Feb 26 at 2020 4:17 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 04:17:37 -0500

If they can do the job, why keep them out? Maybe men just need to learn how to not get distracted, and just focus on doing their job.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 8:41 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 08:41:51 -0500

All this worry about hygiene. Pretty sure these women know how to handle themselves, they prove that during Selection. Keep in mind on an ODA and a CAT you have graduates of the Special Operations Combat Medic course. They have all kinds of meds necessary for not only trauma, but possible HIV exposure, and even veterinary stuff. Pretty sure a small yeast infection is nothing to the SOF medics.
I dont think any men (outside of a physician) can bring up hygiene issues in the discussion of women in combat jobs.
Other nations have no issue with it. Why should we?
Another note- ever hear of "funny platoon"? Not that new of a concept.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Feb 26 at 2020 8:44 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 08:44:49 -0500

Distraction? I think men not being able to behave themselves around a person of the opposite sex is pretty lame. Why should a person be denied the opportunity to excel in the military career of their choice because you can't control your hormones? Put it back in your pants and treat everyone with the same level of professionalism. Your question is pretty damn insulting.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 9:33 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 09:33:31 -0500

Why is this a distraction? I guess its how your raised. I was raised to respect all people.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 9:48 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 09:48:56 -0500

I have been used to females all my military career. When I was in basic training, I had female drill sergeants, executive officer, company commander and 1st sergeant. I have had females in my unit because military police is very diverse. Same thing with civil affairs. I was just talking clinically not professionally. SPC Nancy Greene CW2 Private RallyPoint Member SGT Robert Johnson MSgt Private RallyPoint Member SGT Robert Pryor SGT Robert Pryor LTC Kevin B. Landrew Usoalii S.

Response by MSG Leamon Ratterree made Feb 26 at 2020 12:07 PM

MSG Leamon Ratterree — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 12:07:27 -0500

Good question, Sir. (I call PVTs, "Sir" due to being a civilian and paying respect for them "carrying the torch.")

Readers' Digest version:
1. Try sitting in a hide site for weeks on end without resupply and sanitation issues. It is untenable. Strategic Reconnaissance / Surveillance is a SOF mission. Will the females get exclusion from those missions?

2. There are a many countries whose cultures will not accept women in charge of anything. If you think that pushing women leaders into a position of negotiating with a local host nation leader or co-operating with a guerrilla force, you don't understand history or human behavior. Once again, studying personality profiles of potential counter-parts in an operational area will likely lead to another exclusion for female operators. That's going to make a lot of people uneasy, and the females angry for being left out.

3. When the females are captured, they'll be treated much more brutally than the men. It WILL happen. Islamic Jihadists have that pattern. Women have been skinned alive after brutal rapings and sodomizing.

4. In an isolated FOB, under enemy pressure, bringing in necessary supplies for "feminine issues" will place air crews at unnecessary risk.

5. Hand-to-hand combat will be another nightmare, typical male combatants are physically superior to women. That's just a fact. Historically, when the fighting got too close, Israelis pulled the women out of the danger area. The Vietcong did likewise.

Political Correctness is going to cost us.

The issues that I mentioned also pertain to any combat arms unit. If women could be incorporated into combat arms, the Roman Legions would have done it.

Hollywood and the Left, depict the women-incorporated teams, flying to the target and hitting it and getting out. Many targets aren't hit like that but the teams are dropped off and walk to the objective.

I raised three bad-ass daughters, but would never have them in any of those situations, because I know it wouldn't end well.

Those who want to call me a misogynist or any other name, go ahead. When one starts name calling and labeling, that means they are "out of ammo."

Response by COL John McClellan made Feb 26 at 2020 1:36 PM

COL John McClellan — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:36:20 -0500

It's not about distraction... we have individual discipline for that; it's about equal opportunity! As long as you can meet the duty description requirements and live by the Army values... CM!

Response by SFC Marc W. made Feb 26 at 2020 1:58 PM

SFC Marc W. — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:58:02 -0500

Probably because the women I've served with in SOF settings brought a perspective and skill set I or another man wouldn't have thought of. Women inherently bring a different set of emotions to the table, I think it's smart to incorporate that. YMMV

Edit: Once I hit SOF, they expected us to be better than the "distraction" I think you're referring to.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 3:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 15:50:29 -0500

Females have been in SF units as far back as the 80s, back when all the Soldiers wore a green Beret and not just the 18 series. Females have been in special operations units, almost every single unit, for decades.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 3:58 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 15:58:01 -0500

Obviously females aren't a distraction, hence why they can join in the first place...… doesn't matter the MOS

Response by SSG Lynn Skocdopole made Feb 26 at 2020 5:52 PM

SSG Lynn Skocdopole — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:52:45 -0500

for the upteenth time fellas If six males in my squad cannot shoot better than MM and one female can fire SS with rifle , pistol, MA2, Grenade launcher, SAW, and Manpads then carry four wounded soldiers out of the kill zone I want her in my Squad. Get over yourselves,boys

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 26 at 2020 6:07 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 18:07:05 -0500

Look PVT, evidently you don't get it. Women have been in the units since Bunker Hill ( Molly Pritcher). They have been in combat since that time by disguising themselves. They worked behind enemy lines as spies, OSS agents etc. They have received awards for Valor/Bravery. A true professional doesn't care who is pulling the trigger, just that they do their job and hold up they end of the stick. They have done support roles on the front lines for SWC for years. No they may even be in the Teams, If they can meet the same standards- then who the hell cares- they are/have being doing a damn sight better than you for the moment.

Response by Landrew Usoalii S. made Feb 26 at 2020 7:03 PM

Landrew Usoalii S. — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 19:03:35 -0500

I thank each and every one of sisters/brothers in arms for participating, but to clarify only a few got the meaning of the question. It was not meant to be broadcast as an insult/disrespect towards our sister in arms but just a topic to see what your thoughts would be, and for that I apologize. I respect all people and gender because thats just how I was raised. I didnt post the topic to say men are better then females in the ARMY. So if your butt hurt then please dont stop at this station but pass through and dont collect $200. Thank you and have a wonderful and blessed day to all!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2020 10:57 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 10:57:39 -0500

I’ve worked with SOF. I have been called a distraction by some very ignorant people. The only Brothers and Sisters in arms that are viewing integration as a “distraction” are unprofessional, immoral, and wouldn’t want as the number 2 man in the door anyways.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 27 at 2020 11:55 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 23:55:18 -0500

What does the Army Chief of Staff say about integration? You know the irony is men can cause distractions as well, its not exclusive to women.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2020 10:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 22:34:55 -0400

Why not, it only takes 5 to 8 lbs of trigger pull.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2020 11:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 23:03:20 -0400

Are so many soldiers making it through selection that we have the luxury of turning away qualified applicants?

I have yet to hear any argument against this that doesn’t translate as “well if girls can do it I'm less special for having done it” plus Jesus or some nonsense.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 31 at 2020 1:53 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:53:28 -0400

Based on their mission there have always been females in direct support, as well as active roles when having a female in a certain environment would aid the mission. If a female passes all of the rigorous requirements they are no more a distraction than males who like men-nor are they more of a distraction than the errors they beggars that cannot shut there mouth, nor are they more of a distraction than that guy (when off duty) can’t handle his drinking and is late, up for punishment etc. anyway, it is up to Soldiers to trust that everyone in their environment has earned the right to be there, it is up to leadership to place each Sokdier I. The op plan based o. Their specific skill sets and this intangeables that the have to offer.

So, one More of a distraction over the other, not likely, simply put all Soldiers have a viable purpose. and should have the same respect because they traveled similar paths on their destination. One could argue that the females path is often harder when breaking new ground. Nothing in this note was meant to be disrespectful, just making a point.