Women in Front-line Combat?

Should the United States military allow women to serve in front-line combat? “As others See It: Women in Combat” written by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette argues that women should be allowed to serve in front-line combat. An interview was conducted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette with Secretary of the United States Navy Ray Mabus. Mabus states that nothing is likely to change his intention not to seek exemptions in the opening up of jobs to women. Furthermore, Mabus confirmed that the pentagon announced a lift on the ban of women serving in combat in 2013. Mabus also stated a year-long study by the Marine Corps on gender integration concluded that male-only units performed better than gender-integrated units. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a summary of the report showed that male-only infantry units shot more accurately and could carry more weight, and that women had higher injury rates than men. Mabus said about the study “started out with a fairly large component of men thinking this is not a good idea, and women will not be able to do this”. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the ultimate decision will come down to Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter. The idea that women should be allowed to serve in front line combat may sound good but the negatives out-weigh possible gains. Women in the military are held to lower standards than their male counterparts. Also, women have different rules and expectations. Furthermore, women have been known to be more sensitive with less physical strength. Lastly, women in front line combat could be a distraction to their male counterparts or vice versa within a unit.

1. Women in the military are held to lower standards than their male counterparts.
2. Women have different rules and expectations than their male counterparts.
3. Women have been known to be more sensitive with less physical strength.
4. Women in front line combat could be a distraction to their male counterparts or vice versa within a unit.

Concession: A majority of occupations within the military are already open to both women and men based on aptitude scores and qualification training. Women serve as vital pieces in their respective units throughout the military today. Many of today’s great leaders in the military are women.
Refutation: Occupations that tend to be open to both women and men are non-vigorous requiring less physical attributes. When faced with front-line combat operations members must be able to carry essential gear, body armor, and weapons. If that was not enough members are also trained to carry fallen foes to safety. The physical requirements alone are daunting on top of being fired upon, and the stress of combat itself.
Works Cited
The Editorial Board “As Others See It: Women in Combat.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 03 Nov. 2015.