Women In Combat Jobs

Last week Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter announced the Pentagon’s decision to open all combat jobs to women. No exceptions. This is a historic victory for women’s rights and surely supporters of gender equality in the armed services rejoiced at the groundbreaking decision. However, despite the positive trend in gender equality, there has been an overwhelming response against the decision by former and current armed service members. In November the Marines requested exemption from this kind of decision for its infantry and armor positions claiming that it would hurt their fighting ability. The request was ultimately denied, but it has lead to many questioning the decision of the Pentagon.

This decision has presented many legitimate concerns on how the policy will be implemented. For starters, will the standards be lowered to allow women to succeed in the combat jobs? I can only speak on behalf of the Marine Corps because I have been through Parris Island Recruit Training, Desert Combat Training, as well as Field Artillery school, and the standards are anything but equal among men and women. For example, when it comes to fitness tests, the requirements for a male to earn the title of Marine are much harder than they are for females. If the Pentagon’s aim is truly to create equality then shouldn’t females have to perform at the same level as males in all areas?

So Is this the right move by the Pentagon? Do women belong in combat jobs and combat zones as members of infantry units? Sergeant Major Lehew, a 27-year veteran of the Marine Corps, certainly doesn’t believe so. Let me just say that me posting this article does not mean that I agree or disagree with anything he is saying, but I wanted to get the conversation going because I do think it is an interesting viewpoint coming from someone so close to the issue. **Also the article glorifies the man, which is of very little importance, I am only interested in his comments and this was the only article that provided the majority of his rant.**

I didn’t want to post my personal opinion before hearing some feedback, so if you feel strongly about this please comment below as I would love to hear what you all think about this historic decision!