Posted on Apr 22, 2016
What is your advice for Females joining the ranks of the combat jobs in the Military?
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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.
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.
Infantry
Combat
Training
Women in the Military
Combat Arms
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 398
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It would be interestng to see how many females would last, lifting 100 lb projectiles all day, for a 155mm weapons system.
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My advice to the female service members joining Combat Arms. You are there because you want to be there. Don't think everything will be peaches and cream. Expect to be pushed to the limit like your male counterparts. If you meet the standards that is required of you to perform your new MOS, with no modification to standards, then you deserve to be there. Next step is to earn the respect and trust of your fellow soldiers. Let your dedication, determination, and drive help you meet that goal!
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I believe they should do what they feel in their hearts. If you can do the job than try it, you never know what will happen at least this way later down the rode you won't 2nd guess yourself. Like they say be all you can be.
Cheryl Kit Turner, Ret. MSgt
Cheryl Kit Turner, Ret. MSgt
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Regardless of MOS, Rate, or other job designation, do not expect to be treated differently based upon your gender. Don't just do the job, excel in your profession. Do not pursue a combat job to prove to others that you can do "it", engage this challenge because of a sincere desire to make a difference in the particular field of endeavor. If for some reason you find that the job you've chosen is not for you, do not be ashamed. It is better to try and fail than to never have tried. Many men have walked this same path. If this is the case, lean forward, pursue your strengths regardless of where they take you and give it your best every day.
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In Afghanistan my unit had 3 females attached to us. 2 of them were rock solid the 3rd we didn't take out the wire. My best advice is before they leave is p.t. light weight high reps. Also get used to rucking get a weighted vest with 65-80 pounds and a ruck with 45 pounds and do 3-5 miles road marches. That will get them conditioned. And keep the mentality that they can do anything men can. Women I served with except for the one we're accepted as "one of the guys" they held there own on patrol and in combat. As long as they don't play the sex card and give it their all they will be fine.
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I never wanted to see women in the Infantry. But like you said
"that ship has sailed". If you are going to go as a grunt,stay in shape. You're going to need it.
"that ship has sailed". If you are going to go as a grunt,stay in shape. You're going to need it.
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My advice to you would be to tell them the same thing you tell males if there is no difference then whats the problem? Also tell them bot to make themselves a target yes they are likely to be the first batch of females in combat M.O.S's but they shouldn't draw attention they dont want to be the ones that prove this is a bad thing.
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SPC Chris Rozzi
Not that this is a bad thing they should be proving themselves not getting treated like god forbid i say it females.
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SSG Bethany Viglietta
SPC Chris Rozzi Exactly! Their gender should not matter, but the advice we give them here will help them have their gender not matter. Not everyone in their path is going to be accepting of them whether or not they are doing the same standards as the males.
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SPC Chris Rozzi
True I agree but, its not that any one person should be accepting, its the fact that they all have given up their right to say what they feel when in your opinion really doesnt matter. With that being said they shouldnt be given advice that makes them feel that they are entitled, they should be given advice like the rest. That advice is "do what you need and be done" no one complains when you do your job.It should be made apparent that you dont go into the military as the same person you were before, you go in as the person they want you to be.
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I would tell them to be very sure that they knew what they were getting into, and to be honest with themselves about whether or not they could meet the standards without special consideration.
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Female can accomplish just as much as any male in combat arms MOS, the world is changing, female are afforded the same opportunity as male soldier, and they can accomplish anything that they focus to do. But in the same token, they should not be given any special treatment and attention, their rucksack should be equal to the male and must be able to endure carrying them for miles and miles. Combat jobs are not easy, they are challenging, hard, and not for the fainted hearts, but if they are focus, dedicated, and have the perseverance, they can be successful in combat jobs.
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Do your homework make sure that's it's the job that you want know what the job consists of understand what you have to go through be mentally prepared and physically and make it just another job
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