Another argument against women in the military

[Garegaupa]

I've been reading many interesting discussions concerning women in the military on these boards, but there is one subject that has been little mentioned. I'd like to get some comments on that.

Just so that's clear: I'm against women in the military (in combat positions, at least, but I suppose most positions in the military will become combat positions during a conflict). I agree what has been said about women lacking the necessary physical strength and endurance, being more prone to injuries, disrupting unit cohesion, not being mentally suited for combat and so on.

But, many people say, if a woman can perform as well as a man, shouldn't she then be allowed to serve where she pleases. I still say no. And now we're getting to the point of this post:

I am (both as a Christian and as a man) thoroughly convinced that men should protect and cherish women, and that any man who would willingly send a woman to fight in his stead is a criminal.

Since this view (as far as I can see) hasn't come up too often in the debate over whether women should serve in the military or not, I'm starting to wonder if I'm the only person left on the planet who thinks this is a good principle. Ladies and gentlemen, what are your opinions on this matter?

Best regards, Garegaupa

[Pining_4_TX]

My daughter doesn't want to join the military, because it would be too tough on her manicure. Also, she finds the outfits to be unfashionable.

BTW, I just think it would be nice if Christian men were as nice inside their homes as they are at church. I'm becoming quite jaded by the number of crabby, bossy Christian husbands and fathers I've seen lately. (I know, here comes the barrage about Christian wives not being what they should be, either.)

[cali4ever]

I(both as an atheist and as a woman) would like to know how a woman is not mentally suited for the military? Trying to figure out that answer just about made my little ole brain bust!!

[Garegaupa]

I anticipated that this might cause a little stirrup... First and foremost, maybe I should not have used the word "mentally suited". As I am not a native English speaker, I'm not sure if the word "mentally" expresses correctly what I mean. When I say "mentally suited", I am NOT talking about intelligence or anything such. I am talking about how women are, on average, more emotional and less aggressive than men, and would thus be less suited for the harshness of combat. Yes, I definitely should have worded myself differently. I'm sorry. Thanks for pointing this out!

[Waco]

The ONLY reason for having women in combat positions is to enhance the morale of the enemy. PERIOD!!!!!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Please keep in mind that there are active duty women FReepers and lurkers on Free Republic.
Also MANY female vet FReepers.
They serve or have served our country and deserve respect for their service.

[Jeff Gordon]

I(both as an atheist and as a woman) would like to know how a woman is not mentally suited for the military?

Maybe I can give you some clues...

It is not that women are unfit for the military, it is that many men can not deal with woman as human beings. The self-image of these men depends upon their being bigger, stronger and smarter than females. The very thought of a woman, any woman, being able to kick their ass is so emasculating to their ego that they want to legislate women into being their inferiors.

[HENRYADAMS]

Your problem being the confusion in your mind between equality and identity.

[raisincane]

I feel a woman who wants to join the armed forces, should be allowed to do so. I believe if she wants to fight on the front lines, she should be able to train and keep up the pace with the men. No pandering lighter duty for the females who want to fight. If a woman does not want to fight along side the men, then she is needed in numerous other phases of the armed forces, and, will do exceedingly well. Front line duty should be critical. When it comes to the heavy combat training, you either cut it or you don't.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"The ONLY reason for having women in combat positions is to enhance the morale of the enemy."

The morale of the Taliban killed by women combat pilots (starting on Oct 7) is ZERO now.

[Garegaupa]

Point taken. I am NOT repeat NOT trying to speak ill of the work done by women in the military. It's just that I think women should not be soldiers. This is because of the reasons I stated in my initial post, and because I think too highly of women to want them to be in a war zone.

But women are probably just a patriotic and honorable as men, and I wish to say a big "thank you" to those women who have served in the military in different capacities.

[Grut]

The point is, it's the woman's choice, not yours. 'Protect and cherish' is what we do to children, not other adults. Unless we're Liberals, of course.

[LadyAustin]

It is not that women are unfit for the military, it is that many men can not deal with woman as human beings. The self-image of these men depends upon their being bigger, stronger and smarter than females. The very thought of a woman, any woman, being able to kick their ass is so emasculating to their ego that they want to legislate women into being their inferiors.

This is why the Israeli army has used women soldiers as infantry trainers! 18-year-old guys can't stand the fact that a woman can do more push-ups, run more miles, etc. than they can!

[Don Myers]

"Since this view (as far as I can see) hasn't come up too often in the debate over whether women should serve in the military or not, I'm starting to wonder if I'm the only person left on the planet who thinks this is a good principle. "

You just missed it. It has come up.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

WOMEN IN VIET NAM

[Don Myers]

"Women are becoming more than able to kill when asked to. I have seen great changes in women in my lifetime and I agree that women in general have acheived the mental attitude for destruction."

You have that right. They are even killing their own kids.

[Garegaupa]

The point is, it's the woman's choice, not yours.

I think the most important part is that the military has the best soldiers. That would supersede any individual right to "choose".

'Protect and cherish' is what we do to children, not other adults.

Why?

Unless we're Liberals, of course.

Huh?