What is your advice for Females joining the ranks of the combat jobs in the Military?

If they are going to succeed they need more drive than their male counterparts. The first few groups of them will set the tone. If they are a bunch of quitters, whiners or try to quid pro quo their way up the ranks then this whole idea is screwed. They need to come in with the mentality that they have something to prove.

Additionally I wish that there would have been better vetting of the new female recruits. The first female tanker looks like she weighs a whopping 110 pounds. A can round weighs about the same as her. I think that a lot of these young women are being set up for failure.

Here it is if they want to see combat in a combat arms roll. Then they better never ask for help. That will just cast them as still weak in other soldiers eyes. They also need to understand this is no boys and girls club anymore. This is a soldiers club. So if a guy has to set a certain standard the so should they set the same standard.

There is going to be growing pains on both sides with introducing females into combat arms MOS's. The ones that will be respected in the end is the ones that have heart and passion for the Army, their unit, and the life style.
Remind these females that it will be a bumpy ride...

Get ready to carry the 240B

1) don't join because you think it's just like another MOS. each job is different with its own challenges. Combat arms tends to be the most brutal on the body over a long time.
2) if you want respect in these jobs demonstrate a willingness to learn, learn the skills with the goal of being the subject mater expert so other soldiers seek you out for the skills (this is a long term goal)
3) if you can demonstrate that you can preform any task you are given and even out preform even one or two of the male soldiers your peers and leaders will be more accepting because of your ability. Remember regardless of what papers and politicians say, over all, we recognize ability above all other factors. Also be versatile don't have just one thing you can do. I would rather have a female that can ruck shoot conduct cls operate a radio and can drive well, than a man who can shoot perfectly but can't realy do anything more. I could certainly build him up but with the former all I have to do is build on good foundation.

Get your mind straight from the start. This entire program of the US Army is to fight and win. Look at everything as prepping for combat, may face tomorrow. thiis is not a job. It is life or death for you and your country. Learn, train, and be prepared always.

Some of these are appropriate, and some not. Take what you need.
1. It's not fair, never will be. Get over it.
2. Everything you learn might save your life someday. Everything.
3. It's a man's world being opened for women. Be prepared for awkward comments and situations. Move on from them as graciously as possible.
4. Do your best, learn what you are taught, help those who need it.
5. Leave the drama at home. If your personal life is not under control, you will be left behind.
6. You do not know it all. Shut up and learn.
7. Remain and retain a positive attitude and outlook. It will all be over soon.
8. Hair and fingernails grow back. So does pride. Don't sweat the small stuff.
9. Do not be the center of attention.
10. It's not personal. Don't make it be.
11. Drill Sergeants are not there to "understand" you. They are there to train you to survive. This can be uncomfortable almost all the time. See No. 1.

One more thing- Just like in civilian life, there will be that one person who will hate you on sight. You can do one of two things- avoid them, or confront them and figure out why. If you cannot figure out why after confronting them, then avoid them, but never avoid anyone out of fear.

I have always believed that the training standards should be the same for males and females, (with females raised to the male standard). You want the best trained, most capable people beside you in combat. Equality in the workplace begins with equal expectations.

Be physically and psychologically prepared to deal with the issues you are about to undertake. As these jobs are a lot more stressful and strenuous than most of the jobs in the military. Good Luck!

Don't do it! We don't need females in combat arms!