Women Don't Belong in Ranger School

Wall Street Journal ^ | 6-12-12 | Stephen Kilcullen

[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

[SkyDancer]

Yep, I agree.

[packrat35]

You could always try out for American Ninja Warrior competition. They have it every year. Its on the G$ network. Takes some pretty intense stuff to get through the course and no women have made it through that I know of.

http://www.g4tv.com/anw/home/

[SkyDancer]

Well I’m in Australia right now so .... but will check it out. Don’t know if I’m that tough.

[Dick Vomer]

[SkyDancer]

[Chgogal]

I'm not going to argue with you about the mental stress Special Forces face. But it is not wise to say no to talent and will for those who are willing. That is not to say I am demanding that women should be in combat roles or should be welcomed in Special Forces. All I am saying is that it is not wise to say no to those who measure up physically, mentally and emotionally. That means they have to measure up NOT DOWN. I despise the dumbing down of society. If you can't cut it then you can't go. Period.

[ansel12]

I didn’t address the mental part, I was still on the physical part, you sound like a very fit athletic woman, but you still don’t sound capable of Special Operations physicality.

Women are a hindrance in the military, not an asset.

[donmeaker]

In combat is is considered a failure if you let something be passed through your body, even something so small as a 9mm.

[Chgogal]

Yup, it is very difficult to discuss. I think if women were able go apply for Special Forces, only avery few would be able to handle it for many reasons. Women are not mentally or emotionally conditioned to physically confront the “enemy”. We are conditioned to be pretty, be pleasant, smile a lot, be kind and nurturing from babyhood on. Just look at the baby clothes for girls vs. boys. Boys get the short end while girls, well they're girlie and we all spend small fortunes on our little princesses. Nothing wrong with that. It's just tougher to find a girl who would have no problem slicing the intestines out of a guy just inches away, or breaking the neck of said guy and not freak out at the sound of the snapping neck bones.

My father wanted me to join the Military. I told him I'd join when they put silencers on tanks. I mean for real. Who could put up with all that noise in the middle of the night? ; )

[Chgogal]

Sir, I am not applying for Ranger School.

All I am saying that it is wise to keep your options open.

Since you cannot observe me in the field you have no idea what I am or am not capable of.

Just wondering if you have problems with women brain surgeons? That is a pretty stressful job.

[Chgogal]

Also, what is very important. Whatever the qualifications, they must be met. Period.

Absolutely NO dumbing down.

[Chgogal]

Ranger School, yup, I believe we are talking about war.

Pretty sure when attacked all hands are on deck and you are fighting for life of limb for the Trooper next to you and you will do what is expected of you and you will do as you were trained to do.

[Chgogal]

“Even in support, like the mess haul and truck driving, women fail, figure a liquid at roughly 8 lb.s per gallon, then look at mess hall pots, or a giant slab of beef, or a truck driver that can't lift the tire to replace it.”

I totally agree with you. Women should only be accepted if they can hack it. If they cannot qualify they should be deemed unacceptable. Quotas are the worst. If only one woman qualifies so be it. If none qualify, so be it. Like I said not many women would qualify for what you are describing. The standards should not be lowered. Period.

Hey, short rations for six weeks....sounds like a great diet. Where do I sign-up?

Relax, I am joking. ; )

[JimWayne]

We shouldn’t be discounted because of our sex.

If you read the posts in this thread, you will see that you are not accurate with this statement. The objections are because it is expected that the standards will be lowered when women are allowed to join.

[ansel12]

Yes I do know, I know that just having to live with a 170 pound pack would be the end of you.

There is no advantage to the Army to replace men with females, zero, there are ONLY negatives.

I don’t know who you keep confusing me with, I haven’t mentioned stress, or mental aspects, yet.

[Chickensoup]

and passed frog school when I was 22.

______________________

if I kiss you will you turn into my prince?

[ansel12]

If they could hack it? Do you think like liberals that humans don’t know anything, that the Army doesn’t know this stuff already?

If s single one makes it? You are going to change everything for her? Have specialized gear and supplies and accommodations and medical personnel just for her? For what, to get the equivalent of a mediocre man?

Removing men soldiers from the military to replace them with females does not HELP the military, it only HURTS it.

[Chgogal]

“I don’t know who you keep confusing me with, I haven’t mentioned stress, or mental aspects, yet.”

You haven't mentioned mental stress but I have. ; )

Gots to go. Driving my nephew to the airport in two hours. Yeah, they let us women folk drive real cars in Chicago. (I just had to mouth off. Don't take my smartypants typing too seriously.)

[Chickensoup]

Done these things aboard a ship where there is insufficient water to clean your watermelon handler properly for weeks?

_____________________________________________

I am still choking...POST OF THE DAY POST OF THE DAY

[Chgogal]

“If s single one makes it? You are going to change everything for her? Have specialized gear and supplies and accommodations and medical personnel just for her? For what, to get the equivalent of a mediocre man?”

Oh shit, now you did. FYI, I was one of the first 13 year old girls who made it into one of the best all male technical schools. Now, lets part friendly adversaries and call it a day.

Just in case I am being too subtle stop where you are in your tracks. BTW, I could handle all the crap that was shoveled at me with good humor and I beat the pants off ALL mediocre boys but NOT the Special Forces boys. Get it? You have now tread on very thin ice. WARNING! WARNING!