23 April 2015

WHY INTEGRATE WOMEN INTO GROUND COMBAT UNITS?

April 22, 2015 

I can think of at least six reasons why a young woman would want to integrate an otherwise all-male ground combat unit. And I am purposely emphasizing the word “integrate,” because if her aim were simply to be able to serve in combat units, advocates would have agitated for women being able to serve in their own all-female units long ago. The fact that there has been no such lobbying signals that women are after something beyond just getting to close with and destroy the enemy.

So, what might a young woman’s motivations be?

To challenge and to test herself, and to join a unit that represents the best of the best
To be a pioneer
To fulfill a personal ambition (or to fulfill a parent’s ambition)
To gain status
To pierce the vaunted boys’ club (even though it will then cease being a boys’ club)
To enhance her career

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