By Katalina Lawrence
Staff Writer
The female sex has shown that they are capable of doing all of the things that men can do, even in military combat.
Why have women in combat? It is true that women will never be physically built like men no matter what they do. I don’t believe this means that women should not be granted the opportunity to train and fight for our country in combat. Having equal opportunities is something that should be required in all aspects of our society. Biologically, women are not equivalent to men but this should not prevent women from access to equal opportunities.
Some men say that because of their natural make-up and instincts, when fighting alongside a woman they at times feel obligated to protect their female counterpart. They fear that this tendency serves as a distraction from the actual mission. However, isn’t protecting your fellow soldier something to be praised? In combat, you will have each other’s back regardless. Whether male or female, all soldiers are fighting for the same cause, our country’s freedom, and the urge to protect a fellow soldier is inevitable, no matter the gender.
Diversity is something that should always be praised, especially within the melting pot that is American culture. Gender diversity is just as important as racial diversity. In any situation it is important to have multiple perspectives because in return you will have a better outcome. I believe that women tend to be more analytical, and in combat such a trait is very helpful. Having the doors open for women would benefit our country as a whole. It is a step closer to a truly equal society, providing equal opportunities for all.
Around 900 Cal State San Marcos students identify themselves as a veteran, service member or military dependent, and I believe all of them should be granted access into combat training, testing and combat roles. If women can pass the physical requirements needed for combat, then they deserve the right to enlist.
Whenever there is inequality, there is a problem. We are only going against some of our nation’s fundamental rights. I am excited to see things changing. As women we have already accomplished so much. Just 93 years ago, us women were granted the right to vote and use our voices. Let us continue to use our voices and keep pushing towards gender equality.
Jon • Nov 14, 2013 at 5:45 am
Sure equality is great, but if you ever step into one of the fet teams or similar units, you’ll find that equality doesn’t exist at all. First, there’s the female mentality that IF they keep up with men, they’re better because they have the disadvantage of being a woman(some equality, huh?). Next is the fact that statistically, women cannot complete the same tasks as men. I’m not going to argue the biology of men vs women because the surface appearance is that women wouldn’t have the cajones to do what is required of them, and thats just not true. Neither is the idea that men will automatically lay waste to their other buddies for the sake of a woman. All I have to really say about the subject is that in my time in the military i have NEVER seen equal treatment of men and women, and unless the individual women meet the same physical and mental expectations of men on the battlefield, keep them off. And I’m sorry, asking men to do 20 pull-ups and women to do a 90second hang is not equality. I want to know the woman that fought so hard to be next to me can actually protect and carry me just like the 250lb muscle-bound guy she replaced.