Female veterans hail decision to allow combat roles
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Iraq veteran Alma Felix hopes the U.S. military's new rules to open hundreds of thousands of combat jobs to women will lead society to recognize that female troops can be courageous warriors.
While women have proven themselves over the past decade in Iraq and Afghanistan where they have increasingly found themselves in combat because of modern warfare's blurred frontlines, many have come home with the feeling that few know of their contributions, the 27-year-old former Army specialist said Thursday.
Felix said military women often feel like "we disappear into the background. You always hear we're losing our sons out there, and although women have fallen out there, you really don't see very much of it.
"We are the support. Those are the positions we fill and that's a big deal — we often run the show — but people don't see that," Felix said. "Maybe it will put more females forward and give people a sense there are women out there fighting for our country. It's not just you're typical poster boy, GI Joes doing it."
In lifting the ban, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said women have become integral to the military's success and have shown they are willing to fight and die alongside their male counterparts.
The historic change overturns a 1994 rule prohibiting women from being assigned to smaller ground combat units.
Across the country, members of the military of both sexes said they accepted the new policy so long as women will have to meet the same standards as their male colleagues.
Panetta said that not all women will be able to meet the qualifications to be a combat soldier but said they should be given a chance. He said the qualifications will not be lowered.
Others believe the public may not be ready to handle seeing more female troops come home in body bags or with lost limbs.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
There are so many girls that have leadership skills, they follow orders, they aim well-they have goals-let them in. They 'want' to join 'cause they think they have what it takes to get things done. The one's who know they aren't like that-don't let them. Give 'them' that chance!
I watched a girl from Reedsport pin two guys (in separate matches) this Thursday.
I as a female US MARINE do NOT agree with this. I think it put our MAL soliders in even more danger! They would be inclined with first thoughts to "protect the female"....I agree women need rights, but I think this is so not a good ideal for ths reason amongst so many! Lets do what is best for BOTH genders...THIS is NOT it!
But are you willing to enter the draft? If not, you don't belong
I guess if a woman can defend the line or take a bullet like a man can, why not
If you want to be equal then all females need to sign up for the draft just like the males.
"Hooray for equality! Now we can all slaughter foreigners together, as equals! Ah, sweet equality. Now I, too, may be suckered by lies and propaganda into joining the front lines against impoverished people who are no threat to me. Long live equality!"
Bad idea.
I think if the woman is capable of everything a man is then why not!!