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

Be mentally and physically tough before you request a combat assignment. What I loved the most about the first two female Ranger School graduates is that they dug in and did it - and that they received no special recognition when they graduated. They wear the Ranger tab like any other graduate of Ranger School. Know before you go that there may be some resistance, and ignore it.

I think that it could lead to favortisim and more misconduct except for now it will be off base and in the field

Direct them to some women who are involved in extreme backpacking. These ladies have been dealing with preparation issues that are simular to field or even combat conditions and may offer some good incite on preparing themselves.(i.e.. Hygiene, hair care, etc..) Other than that DS got it. Proud of any Ameican that steps up, Good luck ladies.

SSG Bethany, to be infantry you have got to have the mind set, I'm ready to die defending this country. Nobody wants to die, but front line soldiers can and may be the 1st ones K.I.A. Be real with your recruits. People in infantry come home screwed up. Normal lifestyle is over, then you have to he dependent of a govt agency to help you maintain.

I believe that as long as we keep the term "soldier" instead of male/female it will take most of the issues out of the discussion. I was never treated any different 21 years ago. I am thankful for that, I always new where I stood. These new recruits will as well!

Prepare thyself for what is ahead. Be an NCO and Lead by example. Never let things be "Handed" to you, but earn it all. Know that you are not in competition with everyone else, but rather, only yourself.

Good luck and kick some butt.

You asked my advise, so don't limit me on my advice! I have one word DON"T

Female soldiers have served with distinction in foreign armies for decades. Israel is a good example.

I would tell these recruits to expect harsh treatment from combat arms troops, at least early on because they are the pioneers in this endeavor.. but if they can perform at already established standards equal with their peers they will gain trust and gradually earn respect. However, if they approach it with a militant feminist attitude, use being a woman to gain preferential treatment or become intimate with soldier (s) in their unit then they're heading for disaster.. and these are the obvious pitfalls. But if they're doing it because they're qualified and dedicated I say, by all means, good luck.

There are a lot of traditions and rituals that come with combat arms. Get used to it.
With that said, Pull your weight. Don't let the guys do your job for you. It will only work against you and hurt the team in the long run. Don't be afraid to ask for help, when you really need it, but also expect to get razzed for it. Cussing and swearing wont make you one of the guys, Performance and determination will take you a lot farther on that route.
Make sure you excel in those jobs only a woman can do. No not cooking and cleaning. I mean fitting into those spaces men cannot (if you are smaller than they are, of course), Communicating with female locals and insurgents, you get the idea. Identify those tasks you are best at, and do them to the best of your ability. They might not necessarily be the huaah jobs you are looking for, but it will make a difference.
Work place relationships can be detrimental to the team dynamic. Though difficult to avoid, they can be dangerous for everyone involved.
Most important:
Watch your backs, and pay attention to details.

For the guys in these teams, I give the same advice, with the added caveat. Don't play the hero to impress the girl. It is ingrained in your psyche. Let the girl do her job and try to understand that women don't think like you do.
Good luck to all of you, you are always in my prayers.

They should be ready to train. If they choose a job like this there is no room for slack or excuses. They will be held to the same standard across the board. Prove that they are just as good and can handle the job.