Posted on 02/14/2012 7:20:22 PM PST by VinL
Newt Gingrich criticized Republican rival Rick Santorum on Tuesday afternoon for his “complete misunderstanding of modern warfare” over the former Pennsylvania senator’s remarks on women in combat.
Santorum on Thursday said he had “concerns about women in frontline combat.”
“I think that could be a very compromising situation … where people naturally, you know, may do things that may not be in the interests of the mission because of other types of emotions that are involved,” Santorum told CNN’s John King.
Gingrich fired back at Santorum, calling his credentials to be commander in chief into question during a press availability at the Tulare World Ag expo during his four-day swing in California.
“We should be very proud of the men and women who put on the American uniform and risk their lives in order to protect this country,” Gingrich told reporters. “I just think that Rick completely misunderstands the nature of modern warfare by his comments.”
The former House speaker... said he believes no matter where you are wearing the U.S. military uniform, you are in combat – something Santorum should understand.
“Whatever your technical assignment, whether you’re a truck driver or you’re working with logistics, or you’re a military person, you’re in combat. And I think that we have to understand that from day one,” Gingrich said.
(Excerpt) Read more at firstread.msnbc.msn.com ...
Clearly you haven’t examined Santorm’s voting record.
Anyone who doesn't understand that needs only to look to the Pentagon on 9-11! There were many military and DoD civilian casualties there including a 2-Star at PERSCOM. Many don't realize more civilians were killed at the Pentagon on 9-11 than military personnel.
The same is true for those servicemembers killed here in CONUS by various “lone wolf” jihadis; such as those killed and wounded in the shootings at Ft Hood; several of whom were women.
If Newt ever says women belong in an infantry rifle Company; then I'll be the first to disagree w/him; but, I don't think he is saying that. I think he is saying that Rick doesn't have a clear understanding of current military strategic and tactical concepts and doctrine. Which I believe is a true statement.
How far back do you want to go?
and which societies?
From a military perspective, women and the military extends at least 4,000 years in all different societies.Notable historical figures such as Joan of Arc and QueenJhansi, Rani Lakshmibai of India were “warrior women”. The Soviet Army in WWII had women prominent in their armies during WWII.
They were willing to try it, I understand, since their situation was so desperate, but they found that women weakened the overall strength of the combat forces, and when they were captured they were invariably raped and used as propaganda tools. Israel, unlike the U.S., is a nation that can't afford to maintain risky social experiments, particularly with warfare.
The idea of women in combat is a charade the equivalent of homosexual marriage or gender reassignment. No sane person with even a minimal knowledge of history or human nature would support it.
He has a doctorate in history...He also grew up as an "Army Brat" with his career military dad - In addition, he has taught in the senior military, 23 years teaching one- and two-star generals and admirals the art of war.” In 1981, he co-founded the Congressional Military Reform Caucus (MRC) and the Congressional Aviation and Space Caucus
Very well said.
you miss my point -— How will our men react when women are tortured?
I guess there are a stubborn few here that just didn’t realize that the point of FR was to go forth and do as JR says. I’d have thought that site would have been named JimsRepublic or some such. If the site is for that, maybe Jim should make you a moderator and you can kindly go through each thread and delete the postings and memberships of those who don’t support the party line. Till then I (and I suspect a good number of others) will keep my own counsel on priorities and candidates.
Fall in line JWalsh! Or Else!! Don’t even think negative things about Newt let alone post them. Your family will cease to love you if you get zotted here. Your work days will be less productive if FR people are mad at you. This is real life - so behave!
You are also forgetting he is a novelist too.
And how will the general public react? I think we're all aware of how detrimental the visuals of men being killed and maimed were to the prosecution of the Vietnam war, and how both the enemy and the American media (but I repeat myself) were quick to take advantage of them to destroy our morale. Imagine if those visuals involved women.
The WASPs used to fly out of Love Field in Dallas and the NAS and Hensley Field locations in Grand Prairie during WW II to ferry the aircraft to the operational units. Grand Prairie is where TEMCO and Chance Vaught factories were located.
Those women were patriots and very brave to do what they did. .....Of course the machine shops and aircraft factories in the area were also full of many “Rosies”, because most of the men workers were deployed.
I disagree with several of the posters above. I don’t believe females should be included in front line, combat because it is instinctive for males to try and protect them and a slight hesitation could be devastating to everyone. Females, in general, will react to their emotions in a given situation more so than males.
Don’t misunderstand. Many women can put their emotions aside and perform as trained, but it only takes one or two in a squad that can’t do so and the squad is gone.
Newt, go away. You never had a chance with all your baggage.
9/11 happened less than nine months into Bush 43’s first year. Spending had to ramp up for domestic and foreign security. Prior to that, the economy was continuing in the right direction that resulted from the last six years of Clinton’s terms...when the Pubs controlled both House and Senate.
The last two years of Bush 43’s second term, the Dems controlled the House and Senate. That’s when the excessive spending went viral! Bush did not have the votes to veto the appropiation bills with all of their pork, as he would have just been overridden.
Scumbag Obama and the rest of the Dems and MSM still ignore all of that and blame Bush 43 for the recession.
Don’t misunderstand me. I liked Bush as my Governor and Prez on Conservative issues, but I backed away quickly whenever he mentioned NCLB (done with Ted Kennedy) and any mention of “comprehensive immigration reform”; i.e. amnesty for illegal aliens.
I appreciate your recollection the Clinton and Bush years. You’re absolutely correct regarding the Congressional impact on each admin. You’re also correct in your characterization of those on the Left that omit the Dems liability in the recession.
Although I was not in complete agreement, I really like Dubya, so it’s not a hard knock at Santorum in making the comparison.
It’s a common misconception that Israel sends women into combat alongside men or in all female units like the Soviets did in WWII. It does neither. Israel has barred women from combat since 1950.
************************
I recall seeing a program on the MIL channel a year or two ago that showed that some of the best snipers in the Russian Army during WW II were women. They were deadly and racked up many kills of Germans!
as a former soldier I have to agree Bryan. I am not saying they are inferior or the lesser sex at all (before someone jumps down my throat), I guess I’m old fashioned, but for me it would cloud my judgement and hinder my reactions.
A lot of men have a natural desire to want to protect the women, and that could have a greater effect on the overall picture. A section of 8, with a woman or two in there, and all of a sudden things can not go like they should be because of man’s instincts. Not all men are like this, but I know I am.
I agree with Santorum. Newt jumps the shark again.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.