Women in Combat Positions

A very contempory debate. Firstly some parameters

    There is no doubt that women lack the physical strength necessary for combat. On the other hand, there are some men that lack the physical strength for combat too, and some even faint at the sight of a little blood. I believe that, if adequately trained, women can perform their duties just as good as men. Also, remember that this is new groundbreaking for women. It was only in the last few years that women were even granted entry to military academies to gain access to high military rankings. Some day, we will have our female "Rambo"...I guess we can call her "Rambina".

I think if a woman is capable of passing the mandatory tests required to assume a combat position, she should be allowed to do so. However, I don't believe the testing should be modified in any way. If a man has to life 100 kilos and drag it across a room, so should a woman. If they can't make it, tough luck - physical strength is important in this position, as it is for - say - firefighters. In a burning building, I don't care if it's a man or a woman that saves my life as long as they're both qualified. But send me some 50 kilo girl who can barely life her own purse and we're both doomed.

That said, I think women can play a very important role in conflict. Women often make good nurturers, naturally. This is very useful in the medical field. Women are also often good spies, especially in patriarchial cultures. Women also often have excellent decision making and negociating skills. You won't find too many friendly fire deaths in an all-female army. And countless other often-true stereotypes between the sexes that make them well-suited for different things.

EDIT: PS, great thread, Sparten.
    

Edited by Mila - 17-May-2006 at 12:49

 it doesn't take physical strength to fire a gun or throw a grenade or launch a rocket etc.  females should be allowed to fight if you want to increase your chances of winning

Edited by Scorpian - 18-May-2006 at 05:43

Originally posted by Sparten it doesn't take physical strength to fire a gun or throw a grenade or launch a rocket etc.  females should be allowed to fight if you want to increase your chances of winning Clearly you have never done any of the above. The average US Infantryman, and for the time being they are all men, carry about 60 KG of gear, in addition to their rifle and protective vest, which are around 8 and 10 Kgs respectivly. And a rocket usually weighs in at about 25 KGs.

Edited by Scorpian - 18-May-2006 at 07:54

I am sorry, I meant infantry. My mistake. The good captain was an artillery....person.

Originally posted by Sparten the emphasis was on not needing physical strength to fire!!!!!  a gun etc.  (as in fixed emplacemets etc) and not on your emphasis as in to carry and lug about. A Heavy MG (the only type fired from fixed encampments) varies in weight. Its a two man job, gunner and loader, (the men take turns). An M2 Browning weighs in at about 60 kilos sans ammo, the 14.5 mm Pakistan Army HMG weighs even more. And the men are expected to carry it from one position to the next.

Edited by Scorpian - 18-May-2006 at 11:32

Females have no business in combat.




Dark Lord.

Originally posted by Dark Lord Females have no business in combat. Dark Lord.

Originally posted by Dark Lord As an infantryman with military experience, I would not feel comfortable going into battle knowing a female was covering my back.