Seperate but Equal?

In class last week, we discussed our new unit: Women and Children. I think this is a very unusual idea for a unit, but I am intrigued in the sorts of discussions and projects we will be having in the duration of this unit. I brought it up in class, but I think the 'women & children' stereotype is still in place today partly because we refuse to change. Notably, I talked about the fact that women are not allowed in combat in the army even today. When I was trying to find evidence to back my claim, I came across an article by the Center of Defense Information.

Women in History

Joan or Arc was the most famous female warrior, "who in 1429, at the age of 17, successfully led French troops into battle against the English. Hundreds of women disguised themselves as men to fight in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars."

Policy Today

"On October 1, 1994, the Defense Department issued a policy that rescinded the so-called "risk rule" that gauges the specialties to which women can be assigned. The policy was backed strongly by Secretary of Defense Les Aspin and was the extension of the changes made in April 1993 that opened most aviation specialties, including attack helicopters, to women (Army, March 1994). The policy emphasized that no job will be closed to women just because it is dangerous, but fails to open direct offensive ground combat jobs to women (Army, March 1994). Even today, though, the official policy of the Army and Marine Corps excludes women from combat which precludes 12 percent of skilled positions and 39 percent of the total positions (GAO Report, July 1996)."

Although the army allows women in some dangerous position, they are excluded from combat. I don't understand why the army does this. With today's situation in Iraq we clearly need fighting soldiers. Also if women sign up for duty, they should assume the same responsibility as men. But if I was given an "easier" position, I would be offended. Women go through the same training as men. There is no difference except for the way the army treats them in times of war.

The article ends with "If the United States is to remain the world's most capable and most powerful military power, we need to have the best person in each job, regardless of their gender." I think common standards for combat should be kept for all armed forces soldiers to pass. If you do pass them, even if you are a women, you should be allowed to fight. The regulations that the army keeps is holding women back in terms of equal rights.