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

From one recruiter (20 year) to another - do it. If you want to be Airborne Infantry, go for it. Want to fire howitzers? Good. Blow up bridges with Combat Engineers? Fantastic! BUT, don't think you're going to get special treatment. Want to know what combat does to soldiers? Visit your local VA medical center. Ask questions. And remember, the mission of the Army is to engage the enemy in combat and destroy them. People in the military die in combat, and the gender of the soldier doesn't matter. If you can accept that, then come on. Welcome to the Army.

I had a female M-60 gunner on my squad when I was in Security Forces. The weapon was almost as tall as she was. She could carry it without any help. And she could fire it better than most of the males. Her duty performance was outstanding. She was my #1 Airman. My advice to anyone, you can do anything you set your mind too as long as it is realistic.

done expect anything, do your job and do it well. If you don't people will die

SSG, There are two things I always share with any new Soldier, male of female.
1) Remember: "I will always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself."
Too many Soldiers forget about that third tier. Maintaining yourself includes not just your physical self, but your mental health and civilian/professional education or advancement. "Maintain yourself" professionally. You will have people dismiss you because you are something other than what they expect. EXCEL in all you do. Do not take what others say personally, take it as constructive criticism and improve yourself. The only person you are in competition with is the Soldier you were yesterday.

2) Do not be that Soldier who has something to PROVE, be the Soldier who has something to OFFER. When you walk into a room, or mount a vehicle, or write a feaking poem... be the Soldier who others look to because you have something to offer. If you are the Soldier who always has something to prove, nobody will want to work with you. Perfect your craft, then learn more than just your craft. Help others!

The only person responsible for your career is you! If you need assistance, ask. If you need therapy, GO! If you want to get into schools, apply! DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP!

I wouldn't join myself but if I was asked for advice, I'd tell them that they better have a solid backbone and feelings and infantry don't mix. Also, train. Start training long before basic training.

I am not a Grunt, I was Motor T for a Grunt Unit 3/5 "Get Some". If a young Wm came up to me and asked for my advice? I would tell her the same thing I tell anyone who was thinking about joining the Military in General. Make sure it's something you really want to do, your will to be what you want to be "a Grunt" or what ever will be tested and so it's something you must really want to be no matter what.(that will increase your chance of making it) You have to make sure you are fine with killing someone (Male, Female, or Child). You have to be ok with death in general even your own ( you are putting yourself in a Job that will one day put you in those situations) after you do your gut check you find you still want that job? Then tell yourself and Believe it that NOTHING is going to stop you from becoming whatever Combat M.O.S. you want to be, and have the same mind set for whatever branch of service you want to be apart of...Because when it comes down to it? HEART is what will get you through Boot or Basic when the rest of your body and mind is screaming out in pain for you to give up.

I joined the "Old Army" in 1966. We had to remove boards from barrack windows that had been there since the end of WWII (Ft. Lewis, WA). Women joined the "Women's Army Corp - WACs." I never saw a female soldier or officer until my AIT training, and didn't realize the 'thing' I was stupidly staring at was an Army female Captain - I had no idea what her uniform was or her rank. All female service members at that time were segregated from us, with their own mess halls and billeting. Other thoughtless incidents cast disparagement and condescension on female soldiers, leaving one with the impression that their involvement in the Army did not come with high reputation. As my career progressed, the 'WAC' institution was abolished (a VERY good decision) and over the following years I was privileged to personally witness the maturation of female integration into our ranks. That said, it wasn't until my posting to Bosnia during that conflict (as IG for the 1st Cav Div), that I came to truly understand that not all women wanted to be mothers. Tasked by my 2-Star Boss to rate morale throughout the command, I visited as many units as possible. Spotting a young soldier ahead at a CP with his back turned to me, I greeted him with, "Good morning!" I was astounded as the 6' 1" FEMALE turned around, properly holding a fully loaded and armed SAW and returned my salutation! In the course of our conversation, she gave me a full run-down on that weapon's use and capability, proud of her range-fire 'expert' scores, loved the military, and did I mention there wasn't one ounce of fat on that frame! Her PT scores were top block, EER's all excellent, leaving me no doubt as to the results if any clueless male dared to harass or say something inappropriate to this person. I personally witnessed this same level of preparedness in other young female combat soldiers during my almost four years in Iraq. I have the highest regard for our military female participants and would gladly go anywhere with them. All of you out there still holding on to outdated and useless attitudes about women in the military need to wake up to the reality that they are, in fact, as good at what they are capable of doing as any man.

Lastly prepare to have thick skin. Also if possible and you can round up enough soldiers, try giving them a simple patrol order and then take them out and lead them on a basic combat patrol after you give the order. Recon, Ambush, etc., Your goal is to learn how to lead in the field.
Or if you just so happen to be out in the field already on an exercise, ask your NCOIC or PLT leader if you could practice leading a patrol or at least being put in charge of a mission or task leading troops.

Upper body strength!! Is a must and they have to focus their physical training to match. Endurance training such as long ruck marches Bimonthly at a minimum. Long rucksack marching build different muscles than the Gym. Study 7-8 and Ranger Handbook. Know how to give a five paragraph OPORD inside out. Know the basics well and the "Special Training" will come easier.

Anything that involves "Change" requires patience. This is a change in culture for many occupations that are mainly dominated by men. Be understanding of the fact that you will go through an adjustment process that may make you feel uncomfortable at times. You will encounter individuals who do not agree with this change. Some reasons may be: past experiences, personal perspectives in regards to gender roles, plain ignorance, and etc. This change has to run its course, go through an adaptation process, and eventually will gain wider acceptance.
Do your job and do it well. Be professional at all times and have a good and positive attitude. You'll be fine, good luck!