Women in Combat?
Feb 13, 2012
Rick Santorum, one of the candidates vying for the presidential nomination of the Republican Party, ventured in to the "women in combat" issue with the following,
"I think that could be a very compromising situation, where people naturally may do things that may not be in the interest of the mission, because of other types of emotions that are involved." He continued, "It already happens, of course, with the camaraderie of men in combat, but I think it would be even more unique if women were in combat, and I think that's probably not in the best interest of men, women or the mission." (CNN interview," (2/09/2012).
There is much to be discussed with respect to the proposed changes soon to be issued from the Pentagon. There are concerns particular to women in the battlefield, but Mr. Santorum's comments reflect a lack of understanding for the purpose of the mission during combat. Thus, his comments were met with a strong reaction from all sectors of society, at which time Santorum attempted to frame his comments through a cultural lens so as to side-step the criticisms. He clarified himself with the additional comment that men may want to be protective of women soldiers during combat,
"I think it's something that's natural, that's very much in our culture to be protective, and that was my concern," (Today Show, 2/10/2012).
Well, I am all for men being protective of women. Frankly, I would like our cultural mores to encourage gentlemanly behavior between the sexes. But the culture of combat is an entirely different situation. Santorum has never served in the military and is speaking out of turn. Combat is an intense experience where every soldier is an equal member of a squad or a platoon. The primary relationship between soldiers is based on a code of protecting one another. The mission dictates all choices and every movement. The mission is the overarching focus and the way to accomplish the mission is through the strength and effectiveness of each member of the fighting force. When any member is lost or injured, it hurts. It hurts deeply and leaves emotional scars. While it may be painful for a male serviceman to witness injury or worse in a female counterpart, it would doubtful harm the overall mission. By the time that women are positioned for combat roles, the military will have a selection scale to identify those best suited for the front-lines. Likewise, a woman in a combat role would want to carve out her right to be there through demonstrating competency, skillfulness, and protectiveness of her fellow soldiers.
Certainly there are differences between men and women. Without a doubt there are physical differences between the male and female bodies. But women who strive to serve in the military and request combat duty should be given the opportunity to perform on an equal basis with the men. Comrades in arms are not racist or sexist. In combat, it is all about human-to-human survival.
"Watch my back and I will watch yours"....
Currently when our U.S. servicemen to watch their friends killed or maimed in battle it is wrenching. You can be sure it will be painful, wrenching, and disorienting to watch servicewomen killed or maimed in battle. Generally speaking, war is hell.
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