Women in Combat: The Issue of Gender Equality

Are women too feminine to fight; do they not have the courage men have? Women are just as courageous as men (if not more) and also just as powerful. I think the real reason women haven’t been allowed in combat is because there are still people in this world who truly believe men are more superior to women. Being a woman myself, I find this situation ridiculous and unfair. If there are women who are just as strong, powerful, and courageous as men, then why not let them help defend our country? After all, America is made up of over 50% women. Moreover, we need to keep the policies involving women in combat, and instead focus on how we can further improve them. 

Do you remember the Holocaust? What about when African Americans weren’t allowed to attend public schools? These are two examples of a time our world has participated in discrimination. Because events like the Holocaust were so terrible, our teachers constantly remind us that we have worked past discrimination, and that an event such as the Holocaust will never be repeated. If this is true, then why do people still make “black jokes?” Why do kids refer to each other as “Jews” or call things “gay?” Why (until recently) were women not allowed in combat? These are all forms of discrimination that even US citizens face every day. I say “even US citizens” because America is supposedly a “free country.” However, even though we are a “free country,” women still have not been able to participate in combat like men have. This is crazy, because a lot of the other jobs in the military that women perform are also life risking; one hundred and fifty-two women have died in the past two wars. All that this restriction really did was hold women back, because it is extremely hard for women to advance positions in the military without participating in combat. This rule was unfair, so I find it perfectly appropriate that it was revised.

If you had women out on the battlefield, it would give our army a whole new energy and dynamic, especially because the women who are there truly want to be there. Plus, it’s more soldiers – forget about their gender! We should be glad to get as many combatants as possible. Women are going to be there to help aid our country, so we need to appreciate their efforts and let them do just that. Speaking of appreciating one’s efforts, it is very important that we acknowledge both women and men who put their lives at stake to defend our country. Using physical aspects to downgrade the importance of women’s efforts in the military is not an appropriate way of thanking our women for what they do. Each person in the military is there for a reason, and they all have to pass a physical test to be accepted into combat. With that being said, why is it still such a big deal to some people that women “may not be strong enough” to be in the military? 

Physical strength is of huge importance when entering combat and I can assure you that women also must prove themselves physically capable. Another major complaint that non-supporters have is that having women participate during our wars will make it an awkward situation for the men. After all, where will they “relieve themselves (without being uncomfortable)?” Showering is a problem as well. Contrasting views state women will have too much of a problem with the possibility of not showering for long periods of time. These opinions are biased; many of these people are men who think all women care about is their appearance. Although I am aware that it may be uncomfortable at first between women and men, it does not change the fact that war is war. When our soldiers are fighting for their lives, their stench and personal privacy will seem of incredibly low importance. The same issue was brought up when African Americans were first brought into combat. Never less, the concern was overruled. This is because we are all citizens of the same country combating for the same cause. Nothing will change that fact, whether we are women, men, Jews, Christians, African Americans and the like. Moreover, let’s stop rebelling against each other and instead start functioning together. We are citizens of the United States of America! Ultimately, giving women a chance to prove themselves in combat is one of the best changes made in the military in a long time. With proper courage, physical buildup, and support, women will help strengthen our military for the better. All we need to do is join forces to let women know they can be free to attempt working in combat if they aspire it, for we are known as a free country. 

In conclusion, the next time you hear the “boom” of a gunshot, I hope you can look over your shoulder and know that it could be a man or a woman that is the one to have your back.