Set Backs

One of the biggest issues that is brought up when arguing against having women in Combat Arms units is that they are not, by nature, as physical capable as their male counter parts.

Three women enrolled in the Marine Infantry Officer Course at Quantico, Virginia made it through two weeks and the first grueling exercise. However, they, along with three men, were dropped from the course after failing two road marches.

Because combat as so physically tolling, the Armed Forces cannot lower the physical standard without putting both the mission and personel at risk. Any female that is capable of meeting this combat oriented standards should absolutely be able to fight alongside their male counterparts.

Physical

Social and Cultural

With a male and female integrated Infantry platoon, unit cohesion and inappropraite fraternization have both been cited as reasons as to why they would be combat ineffective. However, in the civilian sector, men and women work alongside each other everyday. To prevent fraternization or sexual assault, proper mentorship and counseling from the very beginning would be a necessity.

Because of the different cultures that we work with around the world. Women in combat units can be just as advantageous or disadvantageous as their male counterparts. Female soldiers can work alongside other women in Middle Eastern countries where it is often difficult or impossible for men to do so.