Analyzing Owens's View On Women In Combat

“Should Women Head Into Combat?” National Journal, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints In Context, go.galegroup.com.catalog.stisd.net:2048/ps/i.do?p=GPS&sw=w&u=j031916004&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE|A295443049&asid=8445d2f3fc63af3ae9ac94cfdd3067fd. Accessed Dec. 2017.

“In the Combat Zone” written by Leslie Marmon, is about how the roles of women have been taught for generations. Women are smaller and weaker, and that we are sitting ducks waiting to be victims by our prey. Women are taught to be easy targets by their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers. They were told that women should not kill, or use weapons. In this essay Leslie Marmon, explains that we can put a stop to the crimes done against women by strangers. Females must learn how to take aggressive action individually. In the 20th century woman no longer have to fit in the box that they have been put in. We can defend and protect ourselves.

It is my opinion that the ability and training of women in the military should be the base of the decision of where and how women serve in the military; rather than gender aspects. In the recent years, the subject of human rights has been the elimination of many media and public discussions. The key topic in the discussions is equality treatment and handling between the two genders. Several policies within the constitution define the expectations of law on each gender (Field & John 7). The societal setting and upbringing also has its impacts on the behavior of each gender and the perception that the genders have for each other. The American culture takes pride in the practices of democracy and justice for every person; however, this may not apply to all people.

Women have played an instrumental role in every American conflict from the Revolutionary War to today complex battlefields. A major turning point for women’s rights was the establishment of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. WAAC soldiers fought to gain legitimacy within the military and overcome social biases. Their professionalism and determination paved the way forward for women’s integration into one all military branches. The best way to illustrate women’s integration is to start back in colonial times.

The question originally posed in the Combat Exclusion Law, regarding placement of females in combat, continues to be debated as women are placed in combat roles without adequate training (Sanchez, 2011). What distinguishes some positions as being acceptable while others are not? Who has the authority to approve exceptions, and what exceptions have been made? On May 13, 2011, a bill placed before the House of Representatives addressed the issue to “repeal the ground combat exclusion policy for female members” (Sanchez, 2011, p. 1).

The author instills emotion in the audience by using many true cases to create a lasting impression on them about the reasons for “fears of putting women in the trenches” (Collins 2) that could contribute to the lack of respect they are getting for wanting combat roles because of them. She mentions a true scenario case involving “Shoshana Johnson, a cook [who] was shot in both ankles, taken captive and held for 22 days” (Collins 2).

In the essay, “In the Combat Zone,” Leslie Marmon Silko writes for the purpose of explaining the hardships that women go through in their everyday lives, that men do not necessarily have to worry about. Through personal stories about her growing up with her father who taught her how to use guns and hunt, to actual encounters with dangerous men who could’ve potentially harmed her had she not been experienced, Silko provides real life examples of the dangers women face in their everyday lives. Women are at risk whenever they leave the safety of their home, and even may be at risk in their home as well. Being raised to depend on others for protection leaves women vulnerable to attacks that leave them defenseless. This is different than men who are raised in a way that gives them power and essentially puts them above women and eliminates this fear. We see this theme on page 734 when Silko writes, “Men who have been in combat know the feeling of being a predator’s target, but it is difficult to men to admit admit that we women live our entire lives in a combat zone.”

There was also opposing viewpoints that women were at high risk of sexual harassment (Carlson 4). Although that should not get in the way when women can report the individual who did her wrong and also there was a risks of violations back at home. While their daily experiences were different, all women who served were met with the clear realities of danger and death on a daily basis (Women in Vietnam). Once the initial experience of arrival was over, women began to camouflage to their situations and to settle their job that the war offered (“Iris”). They, like the men in uniform who were doing the fighting, came under much of the same enemy fire and risked their lives. They were a rare breed of women who were knew what not so much was coming to them but was able to handle such a traumatic devastation. But along with men, they were able to handle seeing such horrible situations, opposing that women and men should have been allowed to fight the battles regardless of the sex.

Understanding the critics views and how politics on both side of the isles could impact our mission, we wanted to be as transparent as possible during our assessment. There are distinct advantages between the genders, their roles, opportunities, and promotions, putting our female soldiers at an egregious disadvantage. "There has also been controversy raged in recent years over whether women are fit for military service which supports the narrative and out dated policy’s. " (Brown 326). In the articles "Women Unfit for Combat? Au Contraire!" conveys his thoughts on women in combat, gives what he assesses as strong examples to argue his case discourage women from considering combat roles in the military, making this bold statement in his

One study (Binkin & Bach) found that many NATO and several WARSAW PACT countries employed women in combat roles during World War II. Russia was reported as using military women on the front lines. In Israel, where they are actually conscripted, women have also experienced armed combat. (Binkin & Bach) found that in the first phase of Israel’s war of Liberation, one out of every five soldiers was female and they shared equality in both offensive and defensive battle situations. Holm found that some 7,500 military women served in S.E. Asia during the Vietnam War. She maintains that these women proved the modern American military woman is fully capable of functioning effectively in a military role in a combat environment, even under direct hostile fire.

Since 1901, women have served in some form of the military, however, dating back to the American Revolution women have had an unofficial role. Women have had and will continue to have an important role in the military, the question is whether women should be allowed to occupy specific combat positions. Traditionally women have not been allowed in combat occupations, but recently these restrictions have been somewhat lifted, making certain occupations available to women. Despite the lift complications arise from women being in combat vocations and it’s not just because of the physical differences, there is also the increased risk of sexual assault. Due to the detrimental impact on the military, soldiers, and society, women should not

When it comes to combat assignments and the needs of the military, men take precedence over all other considerations, including career prospects of female service members. Female military members have been encouraged to pursue opportunities and career enhancement within the armed forces, which limit them only to the needs and good of the service due to women being not as “similarly situated” as their male counterparts when it comes to strength or aggressiveness, and are not able to handle combat situations.

There are growing feelings in the United States that, as women are having more rights given to them that were previously restricted, women should be given everything that is offered to men. This is becoming very true in the military, where much sentiment is that women should be given the opportunity to serve in combat arms positions. Women are currently allowed to serve in combat support positions, such as military intelligence and air support positions, but they are not allowed to serve in positions such as infantry, armor, or field artillery. Many believe that it is time to open these positions to women soldiers and allow them to serve in the front lines of combat. Although women are currently allowed to serve in combat support

In Women in the Military, Janette Mance explores the debates and problems faced by the increasing number of women involved in the military. After examining issues such as pregnancy, sexual harassment, and rape, Mance concludes that as a society we must continue to strive for gender equality.

“We are all equal; it is not birth but virtue alone that makes the difference.” This insightful quote from the famous French philosopher and historian “Voltaire” seems to accurately represent the beliefs of the factions of American citizens pushing to allow women to fight in combat positions within the US Armed Forces. Though the topic has just recently been boosted into the media and congressional politics, it has been long debated. A rather current editorial from USA Today titled: “Open Combat Positions to Women” outlines the recent developments in the status of a much disputed and controversial issue facing the nation today. Though somewhat less in-depth than some opposing opinions, the