Does Betty Belong in the Infantry?

Does Betty Belong in the Infantry?

In today’s military, women are allowed to serve in many jobs. However, women are not allowed to serve in the infantry or in jobs that would put them near combat. Personally, I think women do not belong in the infantry, and it would be wrong for the Department of Defense to change this order. The stress that can come from combat is not easy to handle, whether the stress is physical, mental, and emotional. A daily routine in today’s war in Afghanistan consists of long strenuous foot patrols with at least 60 pounds of extra weight, standing post for at least 4-6 hours every 12 hours, and possibly watching one’s fellow grunt to the left or right getting his legs blown off or shot in the face. This routine is carried out for 7 months in the Marines and 12-13 months in the Army. Can an average woman handle carrying 60 lbs for 6-7 Km in the scorching heat of Afghanistan, and still be alert and ready to fight the enemy? No. Women do not belong in the infantry for many reasons; women cannot endure the physical and mental stress, along with the emotional connections that would come into play in a combat environment.

The training of a grunt in the Marine Corps is not an easy task; even male trainees cannot complete the requirements at times. The School of Infantry (SOI) is a 3 month course that one must complete to be awarded his 03** Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The course consists of many timed marches, while the individual has to carry an extremely heavy pack along with his rifle and enough food and water to sustain him throughout the march. An average pack that one carries throughout the march includes: a sleeping system, poncho, cammies, rain suit (top and bottom), medical supplies, socks, underwear, water and food. The pack is carried along with a 40 lb flak jacket and 10 lb rifle. One must be able to carry all of these items on 3 different marches: a 5 Km, 10 Km, and 20 Km march. All of this is only training, mind you, that what happens when an individual is carrying all of this in combat and someone gets shot and is unable to walk? Someone will have to pick that person up and carry him to safety, along with someone else carrying all the extra gear that the individual who was shot cannot carry at that point. The Center for Military Readiness agrees, and states the following:

Modern body armor alone weighs 25 pounds. This weight is proportionately more difficult to carry by female soldiers who are, on average, shorter and smaller than men, with 45-50% less upper body strength and 25-30% less aerobic capacity, which is essential for endurance. Even in current non-combat training, women suffer debilitating bone stress fractures and other injuries at rates double those of men. (“Center for Military Readiness”)

Not only is the physical stressor of the infantry a big factor, but the mental stress is also something not to be taken lightly. The