Posted on Nov 4, 2013
SFC Josh Watson
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Female marine with rifle 2
I keep getting these surveys from the TRADOC Analysis Center wanting to know how I "feel" about Females joining combat arms positions, and jobs currently closed to them. Not so sure I believe the Army really cares how I "feel" about the topic and not sure it matters.

This has been an ongoing debate in a couple units I have been in and I'd like to hear something other than: "that's a ridiculous idea", "If they can hack it, let them" and "the sexual harassment/assault rate will go up". I'd like to hear from other branches and females as well. 

So, tell me, what's your take on it?

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SGT 94 E Radio Comsec Repairer
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Edited >1 y ago
SFC Baber, according to the surveys we females were asked to complete, I have a feeling it'll happen within two years or so.

The survey asked if I think females should be in combat MOSs.  (For the record, I always answered "No".)  It then went on to ask if I would benefit from a pre-OSUT physical training program, what length the course should be, and some other things.  I've responded to all surveys given to me, and I think there were about 3 of them.

So I have a feeling there will be extra training given to females who want to be grunts, and if such a program gets implemented this year, it won't be long before a few females graduate OSUT.  I give it 2 years, tops.
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SFC Josh Watson
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Where did the idea of females in an Infantry unit come from? What I'm asking is who came up with it?  Was it a band of hardcore women's rights activists or a few female service members?  Or maybe in the midst of all the SHARP issues we are having, someone at the top said "you know what, I think we should let females join combat MOS's, that'll fix things".  Where did it all start and why did it happen?  Does anybody know? I posted this question a while back about how it will affect Infantry units, but now I want to know what or who seeded this action and why it seemed like such a great idea.  People say "Look at Israel and their Army", I say go ahead, look at it and what?  That's comparing apples to oranges.  Those countries that allow females to fight in combat units are also the ones who have been persecuted and threatened by neighbors for thousands of years.  Those countries had no choice and it was bred into its citizens.  Our society isn't threatened by anyone outside of our boarders to an extent that women should have to fight or even have the option to do so.  There are enough able bodied men that can do it.  We need to stop the "everyone gets a trophy", "well it might hurt someone's feelings if we do/don't do it" attitude that is plaguing our society. 
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1SG(P) First Sergeant
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It'll seem like a good idea to me as soon as the Bruins start actively recruiting women.
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SSG Robert Burns
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We talk about just passing standards as being good enough but I submit that it's not.   I've spent several years in the infantry and simply meeting the standards was not enough.
Scoring 180 on your APFT in the infantry will make your life very painful.  In order to succeed in the infantry you have to consistently EXCEED the standards just to be average, let alone compete for promotions, etc.
It's not about just meeting the standard let alone lowering them as has been discussed.
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SFC Motor Transport Operator
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I been in the infantry and to be honest seeing duds all the time gets really old, I do not have a problem with females in the Infantry, as long as NCO's do what they are supposed to then there should be no problem.
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LTC Special Operations Response Team (Sort)
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Unfortunately it is no longer about effectiveness but inclusiveness. I relate it to height and being an NBA player. Can short people due to work in NBA? They are being discriminated against. I have no issues if EVERYONE meets the same standard as it stands now, not an adjusted standard to be more inclusive. I want the toughest solider possible available to serve. In combat no one gets points for inclusive. They win by overwhelming the enemy, period. As long as we don't not compromise on the most qualified get selected I have no issues
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LTC Jason Bartlett
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This topic was beat to death in this forum earlier check it out and you can read all the responses you want. 

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SPC Infantryman
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never saw the topic at all before this, sir. but hell, who doesn't enjoy beating dead horses every once UB a while
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CW2 Pamela (Carpenter) Wolf
CW2 Pamela (Carpenter) Wolf
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SPC Justin O'Donnell, I've always heard that the strategy for riding a dead horse is to dismount. (just a little levity for this very emotional topic.)
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LTC Program Manager
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As an MP officer I have worked with many outstanding Females that I know would meet any standard the Infantry could require. I don't want to water down the infantry by having another standard for females. Integrating females in to the Infantry can be done in 2 steps:

1. Make one standard all infantry Soldiers must meet.

2. Ensure "has a penis" is not one of the requirements.
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LTC Program Manager
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Whatever Standard you set, there is a female who can meet it. Maybe not many but they are out there.
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SPC Luis Morentin
SPC Luis Morentin
9 y
Wait wait, an MP speaking for infantry?

Look at isreali co-ed infantry battlions, there's lots of little upkeep and problems that they are aware of now that at times could make a btn combat ineffective mainly due to women.

If we let woman have an infantry role, it needs to be an all female infantry company/unit for it to work.
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SPC Gary Basom
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With all due respect to the subject. There are a lot of countries that have females in their combat arms branches, including infantry. The best thing is to talk to the Israelis.

To me they must be able to hold their own and perform their duty the same as the men. They must understand they are prone to rape, abuse and manipulation by an enemy if captured, they become a liability if any male who was captured with her, because they will sacrifice their lives to just protect her from such crimes,I believe there may be possible psychological issues with her just as men have in combat. I am of the old school of soldiering and hope it offends no one.

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SGT Gary Frank
SGT Gary Frank
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With all due respect SPC Basom, there is no comparison between United States and Israeli situations. Israel being a small nation surrounded by enemies that want for her destruction needs every able bodied person in her defense. The United States does not. 

If a female wants to be in the Combat Arms then She should be required to pass the same physical standards as her male counter parts of the same age. Plain and simple. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening because after the first few hundred are told that they can't make the grade, they'll get some Senator to push for reform by allowing Females into combat without having to exceed their current PT standard. In that case Females should be required to register for the draft just as their brothers must. 

Our Government at work, God Help Us.
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PFC Stephen Eric Serati
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My question is.How would the draft work,if we were to get in fight were we had to build up quickly?
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PFC Stephen Eric Serati
PFC Stephen Eric Serati
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Let me clarify,there are female soldiers who can cut it,but there are others who can't,and don't want to.Maybe if Commanders would explain how you could incorporate females to the infantry ,and if they can hack it I'm all for it.But there are some fundamental questions,and they need to be addressed.Thank You.
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SGT Allison Churchill
SGT Allison Churchill
>1 y
There are plenty of male soldiers who can't hack it in the infantry, and don't want to. 

If the draft did ever come back I would hope women would be pulled in right next to men. The military has enough jobs for everyone to do that people who don't want to be in the infantry don't have to be. 
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