I see that Marine Corps Commandant General
Robert B. Neller just endorsed the concept which fully integrates women into
all combat positions. Although his
predecessor, General Joseph Dunford, had recommended women be excluded from
front-line combat roles, General Neller joined with the other military chiefs
in rubber-stamping the Obama administration’s full integration policy. Note, however, the military leaders vowed
they will not lower standards to bring women into the more grueling jobs.
The induction of women into the armed forces
dates back three-quarters of a century.
It began during World War II, with the creation in 1942 of the Women’s Army
Auxiliary Corps (WAACS)—later becoming the Women’s Army Corps (WAC)—and a
similar navy affiliate (WAVES). Though
separate from the army and navy at the start, their functions slowly began to
merge following the end of the war in 1945.
The WAC was disbanded in 1978, and all units were integrated with male
units.
As to recent history of women in the
military, the die was cast when in 1975 President Gerald Ford, in fixating his
eye toward the women’s vote in the upcoming 1976 presidential election, signed
Public Law 94-106, which opened the U.S. Military Academies to women. It was, of course, vowed by all that
standards would be maintained. You may
reflect on how that assurance was honored with a glimpse at physical
standards. Prior to integration the
minimum acceptable height was 5’ 6” for a midshipman at the all-male Naval
Academy. If you’ll check the
requirements today, you’ll find that 4’ 10” now fills the bill. Just coincidence, perhaps?
It’s my belief the armed services exist to
protect the nation from its worldwide enemies.
Whether or not women are assigned to combat roles should be based upon
the likelihood they further the combat effectiveness of the units to which
they’re assigned. It appears, however,
that these decisions have become politicized to the point that enhancement of
combat capability is not a consideration.
America is no longer a nation that regularly engages
in activities which further its best interests.
You may place the blame on our elected leaders, except that it’s we, the
people, who elect them to their offices and retain them there as they abuse our
trust. The moral: And so it only goes to serve, that people get what they deserve.
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If you enjoy this weekly Straight Talk by Al Jacobs, you’re invited to check out my monthly Financial Newsletter, as well as my new book, The Road to Prosperity
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