Posted on 02/24/2010 7:59:45 AM PST by meandog
Women to Serve on Subs, Gates Tells Congress
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2010 - The Navy plans to repeal its ban on women serving on submarines, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has informed Congress.
Gates signed a letter Feb. 19 informing Congress of the Navy's plan to lift the policy, which it intends to do through the phased-in assignment of women to submarines, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell confirmed today.
The secretary endorsed the plan, the brainchild of Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Morrell said.
No change can take effect until Congress has been in session for 30 days following the notification, Navy Lt. Justin Cole, a Navy spokesman said.
Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and other Navy leaders have looked closely at the issues involved with integrating women into the submarine force, including close working conditions and accommodations, he said.
No funds will be spent to reconfigure submarines to accommodate female crew members until the Navy Department presents the phased-approach plan to Congress.
Mabus has been a strong proponent of the policy change since being confirmed to his post in May.
"I believe women should have every opportunity to serve at sea, and that includes aboard submarines," he told reporters in October. Roughead, in a statement issued in September, said his experience commanding a mixed-gender surface combatant ship makes him "very comfortable" with the idea of integrating women into the submarine force.
"I am familiar with the issues as well as the value of diverse crews," Roughead said.
The integration of women into the submarine force increases the talent pool and therefore, overall submarine readiness, Cole said.
"We know there are capable young women in the Navy and women who are interested in the Navy who have the talent and desire to succeed in the submarine force," he said. "Enabling them to serve there is best for the submarine force and our Navy."
The policy change – and the Navy's ability to work through the issues involved -- is not without precedent, he noted. In 1993, the Navy changed its policy to permit women to serve on surface combat ships.
(((ping)))
Hmmmm not sure what kind of woman would want to be cramped up in small untidy quarters with recycled air/water for months at a time.
This should improve efficiency. No more going to port for promiscuous sexual encounters!
Another disaster is brewing ...
With tight living space ... expect more pregnancies.
Isn’t one the nicknames for subs, pigboats?
Hey, maybe they can save water and shower together?
Moron express.
I don’t think women in close quarters with a bunch of seamen is a good idea...
Gives a new meaning to hot racking!
When you note the cost of training a baby bubblehead before they even get assigned to a fleet submarine, then note the high rate of pregnancy among women assigned to fleet surface ships...the cost of this latest social engineering to the taxpayers is STAGGERING.
Dumb move by Gates and the Administration. Very bad move.
This is just another reason to have abortion in the health bill. These idiots can’t figure out why women get pregnant aboard ship.
On YOUR nickel!
This is a very bad move.
It’s ok. They’ll just have to shorten their tours to a week or two at a time between ports.
I can see the redecorating already.
PMS symptoms
mood swings
irritability
depression
anxiety
angry outbursts
confusion or fuzzy thinking
tearfulness
fatigue
insomnia
changes in libido
overeating
cravings, especially for salty or sweet foods
alcohol intolerance
acne
hives
abdominal and pelvic cramps
bloating
weight gain
headaches
menstrual migraines
breast swelling and pain
edema (visible swelling, particularly in the hands, feet and legs)
asthma
sinus problems
sore throat
worsening of chronic conditions like arthritis and ulcers
difficulty with coordination, being more prone to accidents
dizziness, decreased balance
heart pounding (palpitation)
nausea
fainting
urinary problems
Clearly, our military is not about protecting the country, it’s about providing opportunities to diverse people....
It all depends on the numbers, "undt certain characteristics of ze vomen selected for such duty." :)
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