Women in Combat

[PF_]

Yeah I know its not firefighting but can be related back to it.

Did anyone listen top Triple J on Monday afternoon about if women should be given combat roles within the army.  They talked to army people asking if they agree'd with it, most didnt and talked to women as well who disagreed with it.

Some reaosns put forward were

-The men would be concerned for the womens welfare instead of fighting the fight.

-Up close and dirty fighting with fists and knives against a man would virtually ensure a casualty.

-They didnt trust the strength of a woman to be able to drag male casualties out of the fighting zone.

-Physical strength and mental wellbeing, you see a lot of nasty stuff in war and have to be able to handle it mentally.


What are peoples thought on this?

[Mike]

All goes back to the perception of the person making the comment. Cant agree with what there saying though.... What a load of bull.

[PF_]

Some of those views were p[ut forward by both men and women though.  Some does seem like a load of bull but can see the point in others.  Was interesting to listen too hiow some were dead against it others thought it was an alright idea.  However no one was dead for it though.   

I missed the first 5-10minutes of it so maybe there was appologies if I missed that.

[Mike]

every arguement has good reasoning, but its also old school stereo typical. Everyone deserves to be given a chance to achieve their goals.

[bittenyakka]

It is sometimes painfully obvious that women arn't "usally" an in sometimes they are as strong as men.

But that women cant take the mental side. That is the individual. They are just as tough and guys and many are more caperble.

[PF_]

I dont think women should be in combat roles such as Special Air Service or commando type roles or any special forces (and theyre not allowed to be).  They probably would not even pass the entry tests as only 5% of the men pass them.  The jobs they do are not eactly suitable for women so I agree with them in that perspective.  However, general combat roles should be acceptable if they can prove they are strong enough, just like the men have to do.

On an off side, with STAR force police there has only ever been 1 female STAR operator.  Wife of ex footy player Matthew Kluzag,m or maybe it was Liptack not sure.  Many just cant pass the entry tests and strength parts got this straight from both male and female police.     

[oz fire]

If you can pass the tests of entry and the training, does it matter what sex, colour or race you are - honestly!

The tasks combat soldiers do, are known to them before they join, if they still want to do them, then put them against the criteria.

It wasn't that many years ago, that people scoffed about women in the Police, Fire and Rescue services, now they are slowly becoming common place.

If a woman wasnt to go to combat and can meet the standards - then let her, it is her decision. Once she has the uniform on, she is a soldier!

[Mike]

If you can pass the tests of entry and the training, does it matter what sex, colour or race you are - honestly!

The tasks combat soldiers do, are known to them before they join, if they still want to do them, then put them against the criteria.

It wasn't that many years ago, that people scoffed about women in the Police, Fire and Rescue services, now they are slowly becoming common place.

If a woman wasnt to go to combat and can meet the standards - then let her, it is her decision. Once she has the uniform on, she is a soldier!

Well said.

[rescue5271]

I have no problem with females in any position in the armned forces and if they can pass the rookie course and all the others to get into a top gun position good on them.... The one's that don't want to let them in are the old farts who have been there for far to long and who still live in the past.... a little like some CFS brigade members who still think females belong in the kitchen.Give em a go and let them do the same jobs as the boy's.....

[Laska]

I agree that if women are able to do the tasks, then let them. Men are naturally stronger than girls, but a Girl that spends every day or two in the gym doing weights as well as cardio, would be stronger than a guy that doesnt.

What happens if a girl got pregnent out in combat or something? That might pose a tricky situation? I dont actually know too much about combat, how long their there for, how able they are to get out of the warzone, etc.

[Pipster]

Interesting stat - during the Gulf war, many many more male soldiers were sent back home due to injuries sustained while horsing around / playing sport during down time, than there were women sent home because of pregnancy......

Pip

[RescueHazmat]

Interesting stat - during the Gulf war, many many more male soldiers were sent back home due to injuries sustained while horsing around / playing sport during down time, than there were women sent home because of pregnancy......

Pip

Those stats wouldnt be far from wrong considering the male / female ratio's.

[backburn]

What happens if a girl got pregnant out in combat or something

So you are saying she had unprotected sex out in combat. I thought she would have had the implant put in to stop her getting pregnant?

[5271rescue]

what does that have to do with this topic backburn? so what id she becomes prego that is between her and the person that got her that way.

[backburn]

Hay 5271rescue I know it has nuthing to do with me. I was just asking a question to Laska about there comment. We have a member from my brigade going on pregnancy leave this week.

[5271rescue]

A sweet more firefighters,look its not a problem I know members in my brigade once they have found out the are prego have restricked their duties with the brigade.

[Ryan]

I dont think sex would be allowed during combat in the army.  I asume youre talking about back at base or off duty though am i right? 

[5271rescue]

RYAN,sex has been going on in combat for years so how you going to stop?

[Mike]

Talking to a mate.....

Apparently one of the main reasons females not partaking is due to hygiene..... I can see the reasoning....

[Smallflame]

Talking to a mate.....

Apparently one of the main reasons females not partaking is due to hygiene..... I can see the reasoning....

I've also heard this from mates... Apparently females are far easier to track because we tend to leave behind a ... fair bit more evidence in certain situations. Can all be rectified if required, and you'd hope due to common sense it would be.

[Ryan]

anyway people back to the topic of women being alowed to fight, not sex in a warzone.

[5271rescue]

Women have and should be given the right to fight in combat if they are willing,able and want to kill let them.....No differant from a female police officer pulling her gun and shooting....

[Ryan]

only in the last 30 or so years have women been able to go on active patrol with men and carry a gun.  Im not sure at all how the army operates but are there any women on active service in any regiment?

[5271rescue]

answer is yes but mainly in the USA not to sure about AUST.

[CFS_Firey]

If women should be given equal opportunity to go to war and fight, does that mean they should also have equal opportunity to be conscripted along with the men?