Women in the Military
The Debates Surrounding Women in Military Jobs
Across all the armed forces in the US, women make nearly a quarter percent of the active-duty military. By branch, the number of women in the marine troops is slightly less than those in the Air force. Although this number is still small, more and more women are joining the military each year. Women who have their terms successfully in the military have left very commendable legacies. However, their stories are sometimes assumed in favor of the legacies left by their male counterparts who have contributed a lot to the successes of the military. Despite them being overlooked, these servicewomen are pursuing new career paths for themselves and the future generation as they join into a previously closed field. A closer look at the successes of these women can make one wonder why the society and the government prohibited them from entering the military.
Why Women were Previously Excluded from Military Jobs
Traditionally women have always been viewed as the weaker sex. This kind of reasoning was also applied in military recruitment. Moreover, most people believed that women should never serve in combat because, by nature, women are not physically, psychologically, and emotionally qualified. Furthermore, others thought that allowing women into the military would hurt the entire army leading to soft and weak links in the armor. Additionally, most parents and husbands would not let their daughters and wives join the military due to the fear of sexual harassment. Ideally, most people thought that some sexually starved men while on duty far away from their sexual partners would get tempted to harass their colleague women sexually. On the other hand, the military job’s nature requires that they get deployed in the judge to smoke out the enemies. As a result, many believed that women soldiers in the judge would be faced with more challenges during the menstrual periods and pregnancies.
The Feminist Objection to Women Rejection in the Military
It is easy for any feminist to exclude women in most military activities and conclude that it’s unfair. However, some people look at the same exclusion and argue that since more than half of humanity has been exempted from going to war zones, it means that fighting is unnecessary. Conversely, women also deserve the moral glory of participation in combat. Additionally, battles have traditionally been a habit of the males, but not females. The societal norms and laws have enhanced that distinction, whether intentionally or accidentally. However, some women are equally attracted to war the same way as men.
Policy Recommendations for continued, Peaceful Transition for Women into Combat Roles
While addressing the issues of women underrepresented in the military, examining the hindrances that make women shy away from military service is crucial. Some of these barriers require a relook at the policies governing the military service. For instance, the military should design and adopt a policy that offers incentives to retired and serving women soldiers who are always in the first line elaborating on the advantages of joining the military to their fellow women in the general public. Amplifying the voices of these women can inspire a lot of young girls to enter military service. After all, the women who have had the honor of serving in the military can be persuasive. On the other hand, women have been known to experience difficulties maintaining military continuity after childbearing. As a result, the military service should develop favorable policies that offer women realistic ways to return to the military service after an extended period of pregnancy leave.
Conclusion