A report from Time indicates that there is a pressing matter concerning the U.S. military.
There was a voluntary survey facilitated by Rand Corp. About 7,600 Americans from Special Ops were leaning more towards a certain thought. Women have no place in their units.
The men expressed their concerns mainly on the women's capabilities in handling special ops. To allow the female species into their commando operations decreases their effectiveness and may affect the standards.
The majority of the survey respondents believe that the women just don't have enough physical strength or mental capacity to perform the jobs.
The Associated press released the survey conclusions between May to July 2014. The detailed comments remain undisclosed.
The Pentagon decided to release the summer survey after Defense Secretary Ash Carter's announcement to open all combat jobs to women. This was based on the agreed decision from the different sectors of the military. The Army, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Command all recommended the action. The Marine Corps requested to exempt the women but the Defense Secretary denied the appeal.
Most of the men responded to the survey. Their identities remain private. Based on experience, most individuals who feel intense towards the issue are more motivated to respond to surveys.
A huge chunk of the participants, about 85 percent, said that they are against the opening of the jobs to women. Around 70 percent mentioned that they are opposed to having women in their respective units. 80 percent claimed that women aren't physically strong enough to handle the requirements of the job. 64 percent tells that they are not mentally prepared.
One of the respondents said, "I weigh 225 pounds, and 280 pounds in full kit, as did most of the members of my ODA (a 12-man Army Green Beret unit)."
He added, "I expect every person on my team to be able to drag any member of my team out of a firefight. A 130 pound female could not do it, I don't care how much time she spends in the gym. Do we expect wounded men to bleed out because a female soldier could not drag him to cover?"
Gender equality has been a long overdue issue that has no permanent solution. It has plagued the government sector, American society, and even the entertainment industry.
It's time to make changes. The military can sustain its effectiveness with women in the field. If there is a need to maintain or even raise the bar for qualifications, then the women will just need to prove that they meet the standards.
