Should women serve on the front line?
After David Cameron revealed yesterday (20th December) that woman could be allowed to fight in combat roles in the UK’s armed forces, one of Britain’s former military leaders, Admiral Lord West, has said that he did not agree and was “nervous” about having women soldiers fighting alongside men.
His view is women have 30% less upper body strength and would not physically be able to cope and in addition do not have the aggression needed for these roles.
Other former officers like Colonel Richard Kemp have agreed and said that having women in the front line of the army would be wrong as these roles are so physically demanding and soldiers are obviously often placed in great danger. Many other armies like Israel do not allow women into the front lines with men because of the negative effects they believe this has.
However David Cameron told the Sunday Telegraph: ‘We’ve already lifted a number of barriers in our Armed Forces with the introduction of female submariners and women reaching the highest ranks in all services’. Britain is now one of only three NATO countries that bar women from these roles and even the USA lifted its ban last year.
What are your views? Do you think women should be fighting on the front line? Would women create a positive or negative impact fighting alongside men? There are now female fighter pilots and submariners so should women serve as combat soldiers or is it a step too far?
What are your views?
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We don't tolerate swearing, and reserve the right to remove any posts which we feel may offend others... let's keep it friendly!
they've got to put up with the heat-- So YES they get all the perks that go with a military career so Yes they should be "On the front line" just like their Male Counterparts !,
Interesting also is the way you weaved the word 'kitchen' into your misogynistic post. And, what exactly, are 'all the perks' that female soldiers on the front line will revel in? Will the 'perks' be greater, or lesser than those enjoyed by their 'Male Counterparts?'
We have sufficient men to fight for us.
female soldiers do a great job within the Army so why change it now.
Do you think the Women are worried about you to the detriment of their job, and, possibly, their life?
If you lack the grip and guts to focus on the job and are condescending to the women who want front line duties then
RESIGN.
I for one don't want you to risk your life because you've left your training instructions behind and are willing to risk your life so the little lady is ok!
I'm really angry Wilf!