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

I have no issue with women in any job specialty but they need to be able to keep up or ship out. There are no extra points on the field of battle for fielding a diverse fighting force. Lessening the standards will not make things more fair, it will only leave more bodies on the field. I don't believe that is anyone's goal. The women who choose to enter these specialties need to be very honest with themselves ...... are they willing to commit? Men do not get pregnant and then are not mission ready, Women are more prone to bone, joint and connective tissue injury than their male counter parts. Men already incur long term injuries from training and deployments. So are women entering these fields weighing all the potential consequences of their decision to enter these fields and how entering these fields my affect them later in life. Artillery and mortar rounds do not weigh less for women. Everyone carries extra ammo for squad weapons and you can't expect your male counter parts to carry what you cannot. If you are jumping out of planes or fast roping gravity works the same for men and women. (men in these specialties suffer back, leg and hip injuries) Entering these fields needs to be a long term and honest decision.

Two words ladies......"Good Luck". You're gonna need it to break down that ceiling.

First of all, I don't see or hear about how many females are chomping at the bit to try and become the tip of the spear. Like I said before, if a female can pass the required training with the same standards as the men, I don't see why they shouldn't get the chance. In reality, many of the females do not want this or cannot meet the standards for combat arms. Lowering the standards to allow more females the opportunity to join the ranks of combat arms will weaken our forces and lead to mission failures and death. The current standards are set by the real expectations of the job, both mentally and physically. It takes real dedication and commitment from those who complete the required training to serve in a combat arms unit. In reality, hom many females possess the required intestinal fortitude to achieve to achieve it? These new regulations are strictly political in nature and in my opinion are weakening our all volunteer military and creating distractions that are totally unnecessary. The military is not a political pawn and should not be used as one. It is a line of defense and a tool for action and deterrence. If our enemies see weakness or confusion in our military, it opens doors for possible attacks. We need proven and capable warfighers on the front lines, not a gender or equality statement. This is strictly my opinion, from 12 years of Army experience. Sincerely, a humble yet irritated combat veteran.

I don't mind the transition, but be prepared to feel the same treatment everyone else will receive. I've already seen many junior enlisted moan, and complain about training and not wanting to do their job. I think its just going to add more fuel to the fire. New Army, so all we can do is adapt to the changes. I believe its not going to succeed though.

Prepare to learn and work hard, and to sweat and get dirty, put away the cellular phone and listen.

we don't need mentors we need individuals who will go that extra mile and go through the training without it being whitewashed to prove a point. women will serve in combat arms some will die some will live, just like their counterparts. It depends on how they go about being trained and listening to the leaders who have been there and done that. let them cry let them whine their counterparts did so why shouldn't they. A strong willed person will make it thru, A whoosh or mamas girl will get someone killed. Be all you can be.

My advice would be the same as any other soldier.

-Know that you know nothing
-Be prepared for the best and worst experiences of your life.
-Remember that your platoon is your family and never betray their trust.
-Be prepared to trust your platoon without hesitation (your life could depend on it)
-Your NCOs know what they're doing even if you think that you know better.

As a young female entering into the service as combat arms. Stay ready and able! I have met many that are surely able and some that are not, (both male and female). There are males in the felid that shouldn't. be, and this will be defined in the future I'm sure with the OPAT (Occupational Physical Assessment Scores) scores that are to be a part of our future Service Members maintaining their MOS. I say that maintain your level of fitness and always put the team first. We accomplish the missions of our service as a team and not as an individual. You are not just a Female in Combat Arms you are a member of the team. A team that will be there for you ...Always and you should be in return....Always. As long as you stay mission focused and look for the betterment of the the team you will excel as a Soldier. Keep The Rock Stars coming, this change will definitely add elements to the Team that I am sure are well needed.

Keep your legs closed. Do not allow the stereotype that a lot of male Soldiers think is going to happen, happen to you.

Stand fast... first I must inspect all the female privates!