The case for women in the military – Part 1

Is the military still a men’s club?

Women have made strides to gain equal rights, yet there is still little tolerance. And yet her place is no longer only in the home. Women cannot stay barefoot and pregnant forever. Women feel they are entitled to whatever they choose.

Let history speak for itself. Women played a major role in both world wars. In 1942 a bill to establish a Women’s Army Corps became law and thousands of women served in non combat military positions during World War Two. Initially people had difficulty accepting the concept of women in uniform, but soon realized they were essential. Additional resources were needed, and they were running out of men.

Women were imprisoned. They were wounded. And killed. Women received medals for courage and dedication, receiving the Purple Heart’ and the Bronze Star’. They performed well in every conceivable job available. And yet they were denied full military status. Thousands of women gave of their life for this country, suffering the hardships of war. Just as men did.

I asked a few men what they thought. Fred said, ‘Why not? Women should be able to do what they want. But they have to be qualified to handle the job.’

‘You hire a person because of their merit, not because of their race, gender, or sexual orientation,’ says Wayne, who deals professionally with women fire fighters.

‘I have found women to be more professional than men, and are very competent,’ Bryan S. spoke with conviction. ‘There’s definitely a place for women, but not on the front lines! And there shouldn’t be different standards for women.’

One set of rules for everyone

Women in combat are a touchy subject for me. But then again, it doesn’t affect me personally. Yet. If combat duty became a right for women, wouldn’t it then make it mandatory to serve? That would eliminate the element of choice, and women would be drafted. Is that what we want? Does gender determine ability? Perhaps. Each circumstance and person is individual.

Sure, I know men and women are built differently. It’s not really a strong argument though, to say that only men have the agility and strength. Take a female bodybuilder for instance. She is committed to training and is prepared to endure situations that an average person would collapse under. Then take a slight man, weighing in at 140 lbs. soaking wet, and you going to tell me that because he’s a man he’s better qualified for the job?

We are mothers, police officers, firefighters, surgeons,