Skills not Gender are What Matter in the Military
When I wrote my first post, Women Shouldn’t be In Combat, supporting women in combat I was quite nonchalant about it. I wanted to poke fun at what I believe is an antiquated way of thinking. To me women in combat aren’t a big deal. On the ground, in combat we are pretty much past that point already.
I’m an Army officer and have worked with and witnessed women successfully serving in every capacity allowed on today’s battlefield.
But the post received a ton of attention so I wrote another addressing the reasons why folks were against women in combat. That post, Reason Women Shouldn’t be in Combat Units received even more attention than the first and I continued to receive arguments against my position.
So wrote a third post titled, Here are More Reasons Why Women Have no Place in Combat Units. That post had 4k hits in the first day- my record so far!
Finally I wrote the last piece in this series, Women in Combat Units = the Evolution of our Military to explain my feeling and thoughts on the background. This is the genesis of my belief that it shouldn’t matter what hardware you have under the hood. If you can meet the standards (One standard) then you should be allowed to do the job.
Those four posts and this one are my personal opinion. I don’t speak on behalf of the United States Army.
So lately I’ve been noticeably silent about the topic (at least to me). It began when I started my new job. My new office is spearheading many initiatives that may lead to the opening of military occupational specialist which currently exclude women. Bottom line is that I am too close now. Before when I was just speaking my mind and giving my opinion based on my 20 years of service and three tours to Iraq/ Afghanistan there was no issue.
Now I know too much about what is actually going on in the Army. So you won’t hear a peep from me. I won’t comment or say a word about the subject.
Trust me when I say I want to. I just received a really cool offer from US News and World Report to write a piece on the topic.
I won’t do it though.
Flattered yes but foolish no. My loyalty is to my Army.
But I still stand by everything I wrote last year in the series of four posts.
So what is the purpose of this post?
Maybe you missed the news?
CNN is reporting that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will make the announcement today and notify Congress of the planned change in policy. Military to open combat jobs to women
This post is just a reminder that there are many, many people in the military that feel the same way as I. There are also many, many that don’t. Also to let you all know I am delighted by the news.
I will leave you with a very profound quote from my boss’ boss.
“We are just looking at the future and saying that someday there are going to be knowledge, skills, and attributes without respect to gender, physical attributes, personal attributes,” General Robert W. Cone, commander United States Army Training and Doctrine Command.
I say kudos to you, Sir!
Kudos!
Note: If you are so kind to leave a comment. Pleasure ensures it is not unconstructive or inappropriate. Of course contrary opinions to mine are always welcome.
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25 comments on “Skills not Gender are What Matter in the Military”
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This is such great news! Kevin, I know you’ve been a supporter of the idea that women should be recognized for the fact that they are ALREADY in combat! So great that this will now be officially recognized. Thanks so much for your ongoing work.
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
I was very excited to see this news story on CCN last night Ginger. I just knew I had to post about it this morning!
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Thanks Barbara!
Kathryn says: Yes! It is about time, that mainsteam media said yes….However, I do think this has quietly been happening for some time. The only thing I have to say…Israel has had women in their military/mosad along long time.
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Hi Kathryn. Israel did have women in direct combat roles but pulled them. From what I’ve read it was not due to their performance rather the psychological impact on their male counterparts. So essentially they pulled females because the males couldn’t deal with it….seems a little backwards to me but I don’t have all the facts.
But there are countries that still to this day have women in direct combat roles….our northern neighbor being one of them.
Hi Kevin. I’ll have to read your past thoughts on this.. I have to say I’m mixed about it. If the training standards are the same and women can do it, I guess they ought to be allowed to serve in full capacity on the frontlines. I have a few military friends both male and female, and I know the ladies can do their jobs just as well. I guess I’m just old fashioned. I’d fight to death for my family and friends here at home, but could never handle being in full combat, especially these days fighting an enemy who God forbid took women pows.
Thank you for your service- and for your thoughts. Those of you in the military have more right to say than us civvies. 
Jani Muhlestein says: There are other countries around the world that have already integrated women into their combat forces decades ago. It’s about time we did. Especially since the military kind of already did that on their own. Now they can just be more open about it.
There are a lot of people out there talking trash about the women of our armed forces. And that hurts, because these soldiers sacrifice just as much as their brothers in arms do. But, as a nation, we’re still not to the point where women are equal. But we’re making huge strides forward, and this is a good one.
Obviously, I’d rather the 14-year-old didn’t go into combat. But if she has to at some point , I will know that she can receive the recognition and advancement she deserves for doing so.
I still worry about the sexual harassment statistics. Is it really that bad, Kevin? And are they making strides in that direction as well?
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I was thinking about this last night Jani. I don’t have a daughter. But if I did how would I explain to her that she can’t do something because she is a girl?
“But dad I want and can drive a tank.”
“Sorry honey but you are a girl so no.”Is that what fathers had to tell their daughters a hundred years ago when they wanted to be a CEO, firefighter or a police officer. How about President?
Sexual harassment is prevalent in every organization Jani. My personnel opinion is that the media sensationalizes and twists the military reports for their headlines.
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Barbara says:
Greetings Kevin,
Sexual harassment. I was thinking about those women being treated badly in the military. Then I thought about my life working in hospital and what perverts I have worked with. Same everywhere. The thing is to say something.
History is being written. Bless the women with competitive natures.-
Hi Barbara. I believe that bringing more women into the fold will actually help this problem. More female leaders, more exposure for un-evolved men……these are all good things.
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I wondered if the media didn’t get a little sensational about that. And I also wondered if the truth is that the statistics aren’t that much different from civilian life.
And, because you deserve the utter happiness they bring, I curse you with daughters, as well as sons.
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A daughter? My plan is for sons only!
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Nick says: Hi Kevin, another good post & a valid point, military skills applicable to both sexes are of the utmost importance, along with team work. Keep the great photos coming.
Hi Kevin,
I agree: Skills matter, not gender. The only problem with women in combat units is our own cultural bias.
I have had women serve in combat roles under my command: a recon platoon in Iraq and an infantry platoon in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
The key is to have everbody meet the same standards.
Based on my own experiences with women in combat I wrote this blog post last spring.
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Hi Soren. I read your post…it is fantastic and quite insightful. Thanks for sharing it. Great to hear from you again!
Katie says: I concur – it’s been a non-issue during the modern conflicts; we (women) are out there with SF units, CA units, infantry units, you-name-it-units. There are issues, but not to the point of exlusion (other than SF…still don’t think women would fit well on an ODA!). I also agree that there should not be changes to the standard to start meeting quotas. We’re a changing Army and the growing pains are felt by all. Some things I agree with, some I don’t. But at least it’s change!
Kevin Hanrahan says: Hi Katie. People’s perception of women’s roles and the role of Soldiers in modern warfare is really interesting. I was quite surprised actually. There is a prevalent sexist attitude toward the role of women in today’s society….that was quite shocking to me.
I think because I’ve work with/ for and have had women working for me I value my views have been forged. In the military we preach equality. I believe in this. The military certainly isn’t perfect but we do a decent job.
Where I sit right now I’m watching the charge to integrate women into new fields. It is quite fascinating and makes me proud that our senior military leaders are so comitted.
-
bobbymike says:
You’ve changed my mind on the issue in fact I no longer want gender roles in anything. That poor guy who can’t make it to the Olympic 100m even though he can run 1/2 sec faster than the womans world record he should ‘get the chance’ All those men who can’t make the NBA well they should get to try out for the WNBA. Who are we to tell them they can’t ya know as long as the standards are the same.
I also think we should take the best womens hockey players and force them to try out for NHL teams and now there is womans football. I think women should line up against NFL football players. Everyone should get the chance to do anything they want.
I reason for this post is simple. Because politicians are ultimately in charge when too few women make the cut at the male training standard YOU KNOW the standard will change.
The second point I would like you to address is the monetary impact. If you have 100 men and 100 women for an infantry unit you know statistically far less women are going to pass and more women will get injured (have you studied the report the DOD put out on the prevalance of lower body injuries of women because of the hip to knee angle ratio?) So when less women pass and more get injured what is the impact on money for training? Have you heard of a recent thing called sequestration? Money is not exactly growing on trees.
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Hi Boby Mike. Thanks for leaving your thoughts.
There is lots of talk about standards. I hear this all the time and I don’t think folks have a full understanding of the actual standards for combat arms soldiers…….Will the standards go down to become a U.S. Army Infantry Soldier?
What is the standard to become a soldier in the U.S. Army Infantry? How about to become a tanker? I would love for someone who argues this point to actually explain these standards that they are speak off.
We are not talking physical fitness standards that assessed the overall physical fitness of a Soldier and by no means dictate which job they can have in the military.
I’m also not talking about when a soldier arrives at their unit and gets put through the wringer. I’m talking qualification standards to become …. say an artillery Soldier.
The fact of the matter is that many folks are simply uninformed and spewing these catch phrases about standards and they have no idea what are the actual standard for combat arms jobs in the military.
Ref the DOD report…..please post the report and tell us about it. I think it would be great for the conversation.
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bobbymike says: http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/coed-combat-units_697822.html?page=2
http://www.cusjc.ca/catalyst/?p=833
The last one is a study of knew injuries among female soccor players, now how about we add a 130lbs pack and miles of mountain terrain.
And by standards don’t Rangers, SF and infantry males have to run certain distance/times, do certain amount of pull ups, push ups marching with full packs, etc. women should have to meet those standards NO exceptions.
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Thanks for posting these. I will read them in depth when I get a chance. Particularly the second one…..since I am sitting her with two herniated disks from thousands of hours of armor wearing, ruck marching and sixty parachute jumps.
When you are talking Ranger and SF….here is a school for each that you must go through to qualify to wear those tabs. Women aren’t allowed in those schools based on their gender.
Remember though that these are elite schools…….
bobbymike says: Didn’t the military recently ‘hand pick’ (as in thye were the best) two women for the difficuly IOC school? I believe both dropped out, one injured in the first two days. If the era of down sizing and budget cuts we can’t afford social experiments.
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The Marines send women to their Infantry Officer School.
But I ask you to look at this holistically. There are many reasons why women cadets failed when they first entered West Point and other military school.I remember Shannon Faulkner at the Citadel…………… Now those schools have graduated thousands of female officers who have served successfully.
I have a great post coming tomorrow. It centers around a Danish Infantry Officer who successfully led an integrated infantry platoon in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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This is such great news! Kevin, I know you’ve been a supporter of the idea that women should be recognized for the fact that they are ALREADY in combat! So great that this will now be officially recognized. Thanks so much for your ongoing work.
I was very excited to see this news story on CCN last night Ginger. I just knew I had to post about it this morning!
Great post, and thanks for the link. I have been following this in the news.
Thanks Barbara!
Yes! It is about time, that mainsteam media said yes….However, I do think this has quietly been happening for some time. The only thing I have to say…Israel has had women in their military/mosad along long time.
Hi Kathryn. Israel did have women in direct combat roles but pulled them. From what I’ve read it was not due to their performance rather the psychological impact on their male counterparts. So essentially they pulled females because the males couldn’t deal with it….seems a little backwards to me but I don’t have all the facts.
But there are countries that still to this day have women in direct combat roles….our northern neighbor being one of them.
Hi Kevin. I’ll have to read your past thoughts on this.. I have to say I’m mixed about it. If the training standards are the same and women can do it, I guess they ought to be allowed to serve in full capacity on the frontlines. I have a few military friends both male and female, and I know the ladies can do their jobs just as well. I guess I’m just old fashioned. I’d fight to death for my family and friends here at home, but could never handle being in full combat, especially these days fighting an enemy who God forbid took women pows.
Thank you for your service- and for your thoughts. Those of you in the military have more right to say than us civvies.
There are other countries around the world that have already integrated women into their combat forces decades ago. It’s about time we did. Especially since the military kind of already did that on their own. Now they can just be more open about it.
There are a lot of people out there talking trash about the women of our armed forces. And that hurts, because these soldiers sacrifice just as much as their brothers in arms do. But, as a nation, we’re still not to the point where women are equal. But we’re making huge strides forward, and this is a good one.
Obviously, I’d rather the 14-year-old didn’t go into combat. But if she has to at some point , I will know that she can receive the recognition and advancement she deserves for doing so.
I still worry about the sexual harassment statistics. Is it really that bad, Kevin? And are they making strides in that direction as well?
I was thinking about this last night Jani. I don’t have a daughter. But if I did how would I explain to her that she can’t do something because she is a girl?
“But dad I want and can drive a tank.”
“Sorry honey but you are a girl so no.”
Is that what fathers had to tell their daughters a hundred years ago when they wanted to be a CEO, firefighter or a police officer. How about President?
Sexual harassment is prevalent in every organization Jani. My personnel opinion is that the media sensationalizes and twists the military reports for their headlines.
Greetings Kevin,
Sexual harassment. I was thinking about those women being treated badly in the military. Then I thought about my life working in hospital and what perverts I have worked with. Same everywhere. The thing is to say something.
History is being written. Bless the women with competitive natures.
Hi Barbara. I believe that bringing more women into the fold will actually help this problem. More female leaders, more exposure for un-evolved men……these are all good things.
I wondered if the media didn’t get a little sensational about that. And I also wondered if the truth is that the statistics aren’t that much different from civilian life.
And, because you deserve the utter happiness they bring, I curse you with daughters, as well as sons.
A daughter? My plan is for sons only!
Hi Kevin, another good post & a valid point, military skills applicable to both sexes are of the utmost importance, along with team work. Keep the great photos coming.
Hi Kevin,
I agree: Skills matter, not gender. The only problem with women in combat units is our own cultural bias.
I have had women serve in combat roles under my command: a recon platoon in Iraq and an infantry platoon in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
The key is to have everbody meet the same standards.
Based on my own experiences with women in combat I wrote this blog post last spring.
Hi Soren. I read your post…it is fantastic and quite insightful. Thanks for sharing it. Great to hear from you again!
I concur – it’s been a non-issue during the modern conflicts; we (women) are out there with SF units, CA units, infantry units, you-name-it-units. There are issues, but not to the point of exlusion (other than SF…still don’t think women would fit well on an ODA!). I also agree that there should not be changes to the standard to start meeting quotas. We’re a changing Army and the growing pains are felt by all. Some things I agree with, some I don’t. But at least it’s change!
Hi Katie. People’s perception of women’s roles and the role of Soldiers in modern warfare is really interesting. I was quite surprised actually. There is a prevalent sexist attitude toward the role of women in today’s society….that was quite shocking to me.
I think because I’ve work with/ for and have had women working for me I value my views have been forged. In the military we preach equality. I believe in this. The military certainly isn’t perfect but we do a decent job.
Where I sit right now I’m watching the charge to integrate women into new fields. It is quite fascinating and makes me proud that our senior military leaders are so comitted.
You’ve changed my mind on the issue in fact I no longer want gender roles in anything. That poor guy who can’t make it to the Olympic 100m even though he can run 1/2 sec faster than the womans world record he should ‘get the chance’ All those men who can’t make the NBA well they should get to try out for the WNBA. Who are we to tell them they can’t ya know as long as the standards are the same.
I also think we should take the best womens hockey players and force them to try out for NHL teams and now there is womans football. I think women should line up against NFL football players. Everyone should get the chance to do anything they want.
I reason for this post is simple. Because politicians are ultimately in charge when too few women make the cut at the male training standard YOU KNOW the standard will change.
The second point I would like you to address is the monetary impact. If you have 100 men and 100 women for an infantry unit you know statistically far less women are going to pass and more women will get injured (have you studied the report the DOD put out on the prevalance of lower body injuries of women because of the hip to knee angle ratio?) So when less women pass and more get injured what is the impact on money for training? Have you heard of a recent thing called sequestration? Money is not exactly growing on trees.
Hi Boby Mike. Thanks for leaving your thoughts.
There is lots of talk about standards. I hear this all the time and I don’t think folks have a full understanding of the actual standards for combat arms soldiers…….
Will the standards go down to become a U.S. Army Infantry Soldier?
What is the standard to become a soldier in the U.S. Army Infantry? How about to become a tanker? I would love for someone who argues this point to actually explain these standards that they are speak off.
We are not talking physical fitness standards that assessed the overall physical fitness of a Soldier and by no means dictate which job they can have in the military.
I’m also not talking about when a soldier arrives at their unit and gets put through the wringer. I’m talking qualification standards to become …. say an artillery Soldier.
The fact of the matter is that many folks are simply uninformed and spewing these catch phrases about standards and they have no idea what are the actual standard for combat arms jobs in the military.
Ref the DOD report…..please post the report and tell us about it. I think it would be great for the conversation.
http://dailycaller.com/2013/02/01/17-percent-of-male-marines-would-leave-corps-if-women-join-combat-ranks/
http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/coed-combat-units_697822.html?page=2
http://www.cusjc.ca/catalyst/?p=833
The last one is a study of knew injuries among female soccor players, now how about we add a 130lbs pack and miles of mountain terrain.
And by standards don’t Rangers, SF and infantry males have to run certain distance/times, do certain amount of pull ups, push ups marching with full packs, etc. women should have to meet those standards NO exceptions.
Thanks for posting these. I will read them in depth when I get a chance. Particularly the second one…..since I am sitting her with two herniated disks from thousands of hours of armor wearing, ruck marching and sixty parachute jumps.
When you are talking Ranger and SF….here is a school for each that you must go through to qualify to wear those tabs. Women aren’t allowed in those schools based on their gender.
Remember though that these are elite schools…….
Didn’t the military recently ‘hand pick’ (as in thye were the best) two women for the difficuly IOC school? I believe both dropped out, one injured in the first two days. If the era of down sizing and budget cuts we can’t afford social experiments.
The Marines send women to their Infantry Officer School.
But I ask you to look at this holistically. There are many reasons why women cadets failed when they first entered West Point and other military school.
I remember Shannon Faulkner at the Citadel…………… Now those schools have graduated thousands of female officers who have served successfully.
I have a great post coming tomorrow. It centers around a Danish Infantry Officer who successfully led an integrated infantry platoon in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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