Women at War.....Changing times!
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Grobelling through the murk to the sunshine above.
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During the liberation of Kosovo I had the honour of carrying many of 5th Airbourne Bde into the country. During this period I also witnessed the sort of physical stress endured by infantry soldiers. The blokes we inserted were 'lightly' equipped with personal & section weapons, and of course the ammunition to go with them. It was very hot, so they also carried copious amounts of water, along with a day's rations. The result was that each man had a bergan that to me was almost a dead-weight.
I'm sure there are some women who could endure such physical challenges, but not many. The forces of PC should not add to the burden of infantry units by making them carry unsuitable people, of any gender.
As Sgt Hester has proved, they can fight as well, if not better, than many men. This still does not mean that all units should have 'proportional representation' of genders.
I'm sure there are some women who could endure such physical challenges, but not many. The forces of PC should not add to the burden of infantry units by making them carry unsuitable people, of any gender.
As Sgt Hester has proved, they can fight as well, if not better, than many men. This still does not mean that all units should have 'proportional representation' of genders.
Cunning Artificer
Join Date: Jun 2001
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Despite being a stocky male, I doubt if I could carry a Para's or Marine's Bergen very far. That would also apply to most of those reading the military aircrew forum; even those who actually are military aircrew. I believe that's what all the training is about.
If the physical requirements of the job require post-holders to carry a 60 Kg Bergen for twenty five miles in five hours, then that's the standard that trainees must achieve in order to graduate from training. Gender need not come into the process. As the average female is, due to the relative lack of testosterone, not as well developed in their muscle and bone anatomy as the average male, there will be proportionately fewer females that could make the grade. Ergo, most airborne troops and marines would be male. That standard needn't apply right across the military spectrum though.
Just a thought. Since I'm too short to be a Policeman, could I join as a Policewoman?
If the physical requirements of the job require post-holders to carry a 60 Kg Bergen for twenty five miles in five hours, then that's the standard that trainees must achieve in order to graduate from training. Gender need not come into the process. As the average female is, due to the relative lack of testosterone, not as well developed in their muscle and bone anatomy as the average male, there will be proportionately fewer females that could make the grade. Ergo, most airborne troops and marines would be male. That standard needn't apply right across the military spectrum though.
Just a thought. Since I'm too short to be a Policeman, could I join as a Policewoman?
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Known a lot of top notch women in the US forces. Also had to carry their gear for them on training marches because they couldn't pack it themselves.
Plenty of jobs available in the service that are right-sized for the average female (piloting is a good example). Some military specialties are too physically demanding except for the exceptional female.
Testing into a specialty also implies testing out. Not the road the most military forces want to open up when the shooting starts.
"I swear Sarge, I couldn't carry that ruck to the corner, let alone into all that shooting. I'd like a nice desk job please."
Plenty of jobs available in the service that are right-sized for the average female (piloting is a good example). Some military specialties are too physically demanding except for the exceptional female.
Testing into a specialty also implies testing out. Not the road the most military forces want to open up when the shooting starts.
"I swear Sarge, I couldn't carry that ruck to the corner, let alone into all that shooting. I'd like a nice desk job please."
