Women in Combat
Women in Combat
The Myths and Controversies
Clarice Snowden
ENG122: English Composition II (ABE1308F)
Instructor: Jonathan Berohn
February 24, 2013
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces have never appreciated and acknowledged women in the history of this country as they are today. When people, especially politicians pay tribute, they almost always refer to our “brave men and women,” a recognition of the fact that women now comprise 14.5% of the nation’s 1.4 million active duty military personnel. (Los Angeles Times 2012) Times have changed and the society we live in is one of equal opportunity for both genders. Women have made Goliath size strides with their contributions to society. Women have proven over the decades that they are more than capable and competitive as men when it comes to serving in the military. When one thinks of combat the male gender is the gender associated with combat. Women make outstanding leaders and they should be allowed to serve in combat units and on combat teams.
The military does not discriminate when it comes to training its men and women. The military ensures that each member both male and female alike are properly and adequately trained. The physical, emotional, and social challenges and stresses that are placed upon one during combat can be overbearing. This would lead one to believe that women have no place in a combat zone. Yes males have greater upper-body strength, but wars are not won on brute strength of men alone. Women use their bodies in different ways than men. The equipment the military is using today has gotten smaller and lighter, therefore, it is not a requirement for a Soldier to be as strong as a linebacker to carry or engage it. Cockpits of fighter jets are getting smaller which means that a smaller, limber, and agile body should be in it at the controls.
Women have performed in wars of the past and have combat experience. How easily the world has forgotten this fact. Women have been
The Myths and Controversies
Clarice Snowden
ENG122: English Composition II (ABE1308F)
Instructor: Jonathan Berohn
February 24, 2013
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces have never appreciated and acknowledged women in the history of this country as they are today. When people, especially politicians pay tribute, they almost always refer to our “brave men and women,” a recognition of the fact that women now comprise 14.5% of the nation’s 1.4 million active duty military personnel. (Los Angeles Times 2012) Times have changed and the society we live in is one of equal opportunity for both genders. Women have made Goliath size strides with their contributions to society. Women have proven over the decades that they are more than capable and competitive as men when it comes to serving in the military. When one thinks of combat the male gender is the gender associated with combat. Women make outstanding leaders and they should be allowed to serve in combat units and on combat teams.
The military does not discriminate when it comes to training its men and women. The military ensures that each member both male and female alike are properly and adequately trained. The physical, emotional, and social challenges and stresses that are placed upon one during combat can be overbearing. This would lead one to believe that women have no place in a combat zone. Yes males have greater upper-body strength, but wars are not won on brute strength of men alone. Women use their bodies in different ways than men. The equipment the military is using today has gotten smaller and lighter, therefore, it is not a requirement for a Soldier to be as strong as a linebacker to carry or engage it. Cockpits of fighter jets are getting smaller which means that a smaller, limber, and agile body should be in it at the controls.
Women have performed in wars of the past and have combat experience. How easily the world has forgotten this fact. Women have been
References: The Los Angeles Times, Dec 2012 Febbarro, A, McCann, C., Marine Corps Gazette (2003)