In case you forgot: The military is not for us, ladies

[alp227]

Oh hey look, it’s Robert H. Scales, a retired Army major general, saying women aren’t fit for close combat!

I am not a military or combat expert, but I have reasons for thinking that nobody is truly fit for close combat. I understand that killing is necessary in war. But to be fit for killing? To be the best killer you can be?

Close combat units, says Scales, are “made up of soldiers whose purpose is to kill the enemy directly.” What can truly prepare for someone for becoming non-anonymously, face-to-face deadly? Except practicing death, which soldiers do. In combat. As far as I know (again, no expert here) the close-combat arms of the Army, Marines and special forces aren’t actually killing people in training.

So why do men so obviously belong in close combat, while women do not?

Well. First, to be fair, Scales generously thinks female soldiers can serve in the artillery, because we disruptive, distracting vagina-ed creatures won’t be in REAL combat in the artillery.

I have no problem with integrating women into the artillery. … Artillery is okay for women because the purpose of the guns in battle is to deliver firepower against a distant enemy, not to engage in close combat.

His argument devolves from there. While Scales concedes that diversity is good for the military, the line has to be drawn at including women in combat.

full: http://feministing.com/2012/12/07/in-case-you-forgot-the-military-is-not-for-us-ladies/

[enlightenment]

1. Most excellent.

Well written (and funny) article.

If the military is afraid of "mixed-gender" infantry, why not have male only and female only units? I'm sure it's been suggested - I wonder what the excuse is for that idea?

[cbrer]

2. Um...Tell that to the Warthog pilot

With 3 confirmed kills. Her voice to a remote IPL is BETTER than an angels. THIS angel carries 30mm death.

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. It must have my gender that prevented being in the line of fire...

Oh wait...

If women can hack it, go for it ladies.

[Aerows]

4. I don't have

a burning desire to be shot at or to shoot at other people, but if some women want to do so, well, that's up to them.

[Marinedem]

5. Okay.

If a woman is physically capable of the demands/requirements of the infantry, let her in. That's a big if, though. Most men aren't up to the task, even as healthy 18 year olds in their prime. As long as standards for the job are maintained regardless of sex, there is no reason that a woman shouldn't be able to serve in the Infantry with males.

Lowered/different standards for women would be the only reason I oppose this. You can either do the job or not. In combat, packs don't get lighter, distances don't get shorter, and less is not asked of you out of respect for your sex. Its a hard row to hoe, but if you can do it, I can't see why anyone would oppose it.

[Tsiyu]

6. My thoughts as well

Many men can't hack infantry; those who can make the grade should be allowed to serve, regardless of gender.


The hope is that none would ever have to...nevertheless...