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Scott Olson / Getty Images
Pfc. Michaela Walker and Pfc. Britney James climb an obstacle on the Endurance Course.
Scott Olson / Getty Images
Pfc. Margarita Salinas patrols during Marine Combat Training.
Since 1988 all non-infantry enlisted male Marines have been required to complete 29 days of basic combat skills training at MCT after graduating from boot camp. MCT has been required for all enlisted female Marines since 1997. About six percent of enlisted Marines are female.
Scott Olson / Getty Images
Pvt. Kristain Oldham from Peoria, Illinois prepares to throw a practice grenade during Marine Combat Training.
Scott Olson / Getty Images
Pfc. Tiernie Gayle climbs over an obstacle on the Endurance Course.
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This is a bad idea. Everybody knows it.
If only there was some sort of test to make sure these women are just as fit as the men in combat....
Tell her that, bet she can kick your ass!!
Completely agree. Women have been serving in combat roles for a while now. It's about time they get the recognition and pay for it. No one is asking for lower standards. That's nothing but an excuse made by those who stand in the way of change. The standards we set are under our control, therefore making that argument boils down to nothing but a way to try to deny equality. If they're under our control, we have the power NOT to lower them.
Israel has done this since approx. 1947 and we see how incredibly well that is working. No one attacks Israel on the ground because they know how well these people have been trained. No one cares about the imagined limitations of gender anymore as we are all American Citizens with the same responsibility's to protect the American Soil. We would not hesitate to fight along side of any women at any time and this has been occurring throughout history if you haven't noticed.
Sad little girls pretending to be something they never will be.
The legislation to overturn the 1994 decision to keep women from entering into combat is in perfect alignment with the United States Constitution. If a women is willing to risk her life for this country, then I believe they deserve honor, not snide comments. I admit, that physically women might not be able to do as much as men, but they have the same amount of heart and passion for this country's protection.
How can one not be all for equal rights for an equal job done?
But unless something has changed since i was in, female Marines are NOT required to meet the same physical standards as the men. That's not equal and is a major problem.
The average woman can not carry a 200+ lb buddy to safety if needed. The average man can. In combat that is needed regularly. That is a major problem
Call me prejudiced, chauvinist, whatever but the first time women go into combat special considerations will be taken to protect them so they don't get taken prisoner or killed. Considerations that aren't made for men. Men protect women. Like it or not thats how we are all socialized, including women. Thats just the reality of the situation and is a major problem.
Most problems can be solved but lets not think that putting women in combat is not more problematic than men. It is. I applaud women who want to serve their country in combat but it's going to take a lot of thought of the militarys part and on each females part.
I think of the uproar Jessica Lynch caused in Iraq when she was captured and can only imagine the assets that were diverted to recover her. Good for us for doing so but i have to wonder if the same considerations would have been made for a man. I doubt it and thats a problem.
I am shocked that there are only 8 replies on this topic on a liberal website like MSNBC.
My niece is attending the Navel Academy and is a very tough, smart, athletic and pretty young woman. I am very proud of her hard work and accomplishments to have reached such a prestigious level for higher education. After her Naval service, I see her becoming a field agent for one of our civilian DoJ departments. She will need her military training and expertise to help her perform that role. However, there are very few women (and many men) that can actually perform and handle the rigors of being a leatherneck Marine, much less a hardcore Special Ops infantryman. For those few that can and want to do it, bring them on. Just know that nothing is fair in war..."There's no crying in baseball!"
Good for these Women that have decided that they want the same opportunity that other Americans enjoy. There will be a lot of dinosaurs that come out of the woodwork that want to dissuade us as humans from evolving. We need to remember that in 10 years it will just be standard practice to have females in combat positions and there won't be any questions asked as to whether or not they can cut it because by then it will be proven that they can. Good Luck you courageous Women!