Posted on 06/13/2012 3:41:24 PM PDT by kingattax
The United States Army is debating whether to admit women to Ranger School, its elite training program for young combat leaders.
Proponents argue this is to remove a final impediment to the careers of Army women. But the move would erode the unique Ranger ethos and culture—not to mention the program's rigorous physical requirements—harming its core mission of cultivating leaders willing to sacrifice everything for our nation.
The Army's 75th Ranger Regiment traces its roots back to World War II, when it won acclaim for penetrating deep behind Japanese lines. Founded in 1950, Ranger School teaches combat soldiers small-unit tactics and leadership under extreme duress. It pushes men harder than any other program in the Army's curriculum.
Competition to attend the course is fierce, with about 4,000 men eligible to attend each year. Only about half graduate. Of those, only 20% make it through without having to retake various phases.
For decades, completion of Ranger School has been the best indicator for determining which young men can handle the enormous responsibility of combat leadership
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
We are like children in the eyes of the Lord, and while children are soft and love comfort and ease, they are also adaptable and resilient.
Just saying.Okay? There’s lots of things you guys do that there is no way I can.I’m just defending my right to at least try and to let you know what I can or can’t do. Firefights are one thing, would scare the crap out of me, which I’m saying. But there are things that we’re capable of doing that are the same as you guys. Sorry I offended. I’m gone. Janey
Agreed. I weigh well over 300 lbs in full kit. Most guys can barely carry me. I can count on a female to haul my wounded ass out of a combat situation? I don’t think so.
I don’t know why so many females get insulted by the idea that they’re just not physically capable of doing these things. Hell, most men aren’t either. I understand combat can find women, too, it happened in Iraq many times, but that doesn’t mean we need to be seeking out women as front-line Soldiers.
I did have to chuckle at this one. We had two Platoon Leaders, both tabbed, get fired during my combat tour in Iraq--one of them was for cowardice.
I doubt you’ve offended any male here.
True - however the Israelis sure did need us in ‘48; 56;67;73 .... just saying. Again, there are so many things we can’t do in combat, but, then, there are lots we can do. Recon for one. But again, I was told to butt out of this thread, so I’m gone.
Ranger school has always been just as described, regardless of your personal experience.
The need to spread Ranger tabbed personnel throughout the Army is one reason that there are fewer slots for the guys serving in Ranger units.
Your post is one of the best I have seen on this subject, DMZFrank, and you speak of which you know (Welcome home, FRiend...:)
I think you are spot on when you point to the cultural shaping that has been going on for nearly forty years now, to convince the public that women are every bit as physically imposing and capable as men. It is a dishonest and destructive meme they advance. I enjoy a good movie as much as the next person, but when two elite fighters of different sexes go head to head, in reality, the woman is going to lose the vast majority of time. There will always be one who may win occasionally, but the laws of averages and naked reality are a cruel master.
Excellent post.
Sure there is in most MOSs, but in order to be a signficant player in your unit's combat effectiveness you must be able to do all of them. The same goes for the unit's cohesiveness, crying isn't allowed. Want to be one of the boys means being all in. There is no credible reason to have women be 40% soldiers or Marines. It is all PC. Outside of the hyperbole, you sound like a good fun chick. That is something men can never be, be happy in that position.
I’m still waiting for the first homosexual rape at Ranger school.
God help the military men who have to cover for the likes of you.
It won’t even go that far: The best case (if this absurdity comes to pass) is that the standards will not change and the first female to LOM will sue the army (with the help of her local ACLU) because the “deck was stacked against her”. To that argument, I respond, “No Sh!+. It’s a physiological fact”
In a very worst case, the standards are changed to accommodate the masses and the Regiment becomes a SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN elite unit taken seriously by NO ONE. To that end, all will likely hear the sound of Robert Rogers rolling in his grave.
When I joined the army as an 18 year old recon scout, I talked treason like any other good joe about how when “WE” are in charge, things are going to get right.
27 years later, “WE” ARE in charge and things have gotten even more politically correct - from both the outside and the inside. It is disappointing to say the least.
I find myself being grateful that I’m much closer to the end of my career than to the beginning.
I went to Ranger School as a young man. I walked in a hearty 175 pounds and walked out at 138 but, I walked out with a tab and I’m both proud and lucky.
I’m not sexist (in fact, I’m a BIG fan of women..a BIG fan.)but a woman at Ranger School and a woman in the Regiment is as absurd a concept as a man winning the Miss America contest.
I am disappointed it has come to this. The United States Army at its highest levels, is spineless.
RLTW.
For those who don’t know; “Rangers Lead The Way”
She is too ditzy and silly to have offended people here.
Some of her posts are just instant classics.
So, in short I agree with you but then again I don't. ; ) I know just like a woman. Can't make up my mind.
It is kind of like the "Champion" trophy they give to ALL kids, because, hey...even though you didn't REALLY win it all, we can't have that emotional damage...
But there is something else that really bothers me...this is more than that trophy given to alleviate emotional damage to kids...this sounds like a trophy given to ensure there is no career damage to women who would find themselves at a promotional disadvantage to men who did serve in those specialized units, or in combat in general. And that bothers me, because people will die, missions will fail, and battles will be lost.
Don't get me wrong, men are fully as capable of getting people killed and fouling up missions on their own, without adding faux expertise on top of it all.
Talking about recon, not hand to hand, or did you somehow miss that?
So, you like I should make you a sammich or sumptin?
Guess they want I should make them a sammich or something.
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