Posted on Apr 22, 2016
SSG Bethany Viglietta
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I am an Army Recruiter and it would be great to share.

As we gear up to ship out some of our first female Future Soldiers in combat jobs, I ask of the members of RP, what is your advice for these young soldiers?

Please keep it constructive and nothing along the lines of they shouldn't be able to serve in these positions because that ship has sailed and opinions about how they should not serve in these positions are not going to change anything.

Edit: The conversation among RP members about mentoring these service members is amazing. Honestly, I did not know what to expect when I started the thread, because this is a subject many feel strong about. Thank you so much for all of your advice thus far, I cannot wait to share it with our female and male recruits and hope you share it in your ranks/communities as well. Together we are molding the future of the military.
Edited 8 y ago
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Responses: 403
SPC Jorge h Ayala
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Problem: Men usually it's in their DNA to protect woman (not all) focus will b at risk, upper strength a factor ,etc females definitely have a place in the Military (Combat) ?
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SPC Kirk Gilles
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PMI...I teach PMI to recruits of all branches at my Career Centers. By squaring away female recruits on their basic weapons systems I build confidence in the martial skills they need to succeed. My recruits pass Basic, qualify, and some have shot Expert! Oh, and I do it totally for Free.
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SPC Soldier
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As long as they can do the job to the same standards as the males, have at it.
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SPC Robert Norton
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IMO don't. I have seen too many women put in a bad position around animals. i would call them men but lets face it if they were all men there would be no reason to have this discussion. On the other hand, do you not do what you want because of fear. its a tough choice. I suggest if serving your country is your goal take something 1 more tangible on the outside 2 a more diverse crowd of staffing.
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CSM Unit Supply Specialist
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Young Soldiers are just that, young Soldiers. Give these Army prospects the same advice you would give any young recruit; there will be a rough road ahead, stay focused and remember why you are joining the greatest Military in the World. We don't know what lies ahead for any Soldier, and 100 years from now is very uncertain, but we do know it's the people with bravery to challenge traditions who will shape it.
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SSG Bethany Viglietta
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CPL James Ross
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....... the question asked was about "women"being sent into Combat. I have read many of the responses and agree with several. however it wasn't asked should females be permitted in the Military, it was should they be 'joining' Combat Units ? Many of you have "danced around" the real answer, (for both Male & Females) ....... Are you ready to take another Human Life ???....... Can you, with-out hesitation Kill a person ? If your answer is No, or I don't know, I do-not trust you to "have my back" when the shooting starts.
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PV2 Steven Stockwell
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Hi Staff Sargent I Dont Really Have Any Advice Other Than To Tell Them To Be Honest With There Self Before They Join For Those Type Of M.O.S. If They Feel They Our Physically And Mentally Cut Out For Those Roles A Lot Of Women Our But Unfortunitly Some Are Not As Well As A Lot Males Today As Well But Unfortunitlly These Women Will Be The First To Try And All Women After Them Be Judged By How They Handle There Selfs I Wish Them All The Best I Was Glad Two Hear That Two Woman Graduated Ranger School Last Year That News For All Future Women To Come I Surved In The 1980s The Military Was A Very Chuvanistic Military Back Then I Had A Fiance Back Then Who Surved In The 82ND Airborne Training Men To Go Over And Fight For Us But At That Time Even Though She Was More Than Qulified They Would Not Let Her Go Unfortunitll She Long Gone Now I Wish She Lived Long Enough To See This Happing .Wish Them Luck From Me A Former Infantryman With The 10TH Mountain Division Who Suports Them Serving BE All You Can Be It Still Fits As A Motto
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CDR Bob Fuller
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My squadron had 2 of the first women to fly combat aircraft in the Navy (A-6 Intruder training squadron). The standard was to land on an aircraft carrier at night. You can't lower that standard. As a former USMC infantry guy (enlisted & officer), I believe the Army infantry has standards that haven't failed it for 230+ years. Much like what SGM Marquez says: Do your job, carry your weight, do more than your share of the task. In the end, to a small unit, what matters most is the content of your character.
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SN Kuuleme Williams
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Don't ask for special treatment. We are all doing our part! There will be folks who can not control themselves, but that is their problem and there are serious consequences for that. If a female can meet or beat the regs, then more power to her! I did it and so can others!
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SFC Erin Barnett
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I would say this to everyone in uniform. It is going to be a challenge. When I joined, women were only allowed in admin rolls. When they opened none combat support rolls, it took years to figure things out. Stuff you don't even think about until you hit E-7 or O-3. TO&E's had to be changed to add extra tents and supplies. Ever thought about adding feminine napkins to the unit mod kit? Just be patient, it is going to take time. These are the things that are going to be hard. No one has ever questioned their ability to fire a weapon.
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