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| Ban on women in combat lifted: readers and veterans debate on social media | Ban on women in combat lifted: readers and veterans debate on social media |
| (4 months later) | |
| Since US defence secretary Leon Panetta's decision to lift the ban on women serving in combat roles became public on Wednesday, reaction from female military veterans, military spouses and others interested in the issue have been mixed. | Since US defence secretary Leon Panetta's decision to lift the ban on women serving in combat roles became public on Wednesday, reaction from female military veterans, military spouses and others interested in the issue have been mixed. |
| The US Department of Veteran Affairs has historically encouraged heavy use of social media within the community, and there is no shortage of conversation to be found on Facebook, where groups geared specifically toward female veterans draw thousands of members. There was also plenty of conversation about the lifted ban on Twitter, where we put the question to @GuardianUS followers. | The US Department of Veteran Affairs has historically encouraged heavy use of social media within the community, and there is no shortage of conversation to be found on Facebook, where groups geared specifically toward female veterans draw thousands of members. There was also plenty of conversation about the lifted ban on Twitter, where we put the question to @GuardianUS followers. |
| Some readers agreed that the ban should be lifted, while others said no. But others still make the point that women in the military have already seen (and been wounded or killed in) combat -- so what difference would a lifted ban make? | Some readers agreed that the ban should be lifted, while others said no. But others still make the point that women in the military have already seen (and been wounded or killed in) combat -- so what difference would a lifted ban make? |
| Navigate this post: | Navigate this post: |
| Social responses Veteran stories #SmartTakes on women in combat | Social responses Veteran stories #SmartTakes on women in combat |
| Are you a veteran with a story to share? | Are you a veteran with a story to share? |
| Are you an active-duty service member or a veteran with a story to share on this issue? Leave it in the comments below or e-mail us here. | Are you an active-duty service member or a veteran with a story to share on this issue? Leave it in the comments below or e-mail us here. |
| Rebecca Love's story is below: | Rebecca Love's story is below: |
| Name: Rebecca Love Rank: Sergeant Branch: California Army National Guard (10 years) Experience: Deployed to Afghanistan as a combat medic 2009-2010 | Name: Rebecca Love Rank: Sergeant Branch: California Army National Guard (10 years) Experience: Deployed to Afghanistan as a combat medic 2009-2010 |
| Women have an uphill battle in the military no matter what. It's a male dominated force, and women have to work twice as hard to gain the respect oftheir peers. There will always be people, male and female, who manipulate the system and take advantage of situations, and make things harder for those around them. But the actions of a few bad apples should not dictate overall policy. There are women out there who are capable and willing, and they should be given the opportunity to complete the training. They are no guarantees for anyone going to infantry school, it should not be any different for women. | Women have an uphill battle in the military no matter what. It's a male dominated force, and women have to work twice as hard to gain the respect oftheir peers. There will always be people, male and female, who manipulate the system and take advantage of situations, and make things harder for those around them. But the actions of a few bad apples should not dictate overall policy. There are women out there who are capable and willing, and they should be given the opportunity to complete the training. They are no guarantees for anyone going to infantry school, it should not be any different for women. |
| I think lifting the ban is the start of changing the culture of the militaryin a positive way. Is it going to be uncomfortable? Yes. But socially, we have had to confront many uncomfortable things in order to effect change.There was a time when women couldn't vote, when African Americans couldn't attend white colleges - change had to be forced, and it was the right thing to do. I hope that the women who enter combat training are given a fair shot. This is not the time for political grandstanding or perpetuating the good ole boys club. It's time to let these Soldiers prove themselves, without regard to gender. | I think lifting the ban is the start of changing the culture of the militaryin a positive way. Is it going to be uncomfortable? Yes. But socially, we have had to confront many uncomfortable things in order to effect change.There was a time when women couldn't vote, when African Americans couldn't attend white colleges - change had to be forced, and it was the right thing to do. I hope that the women who enter combat training are given a fair shot. This is not the time for political grandstanding or perpetuating the good ole boys club. It's time to let these Soldiers prove themselves, without regard to gender. |
| More #SmartTakes: A History of Crossdressing Soldiers (The Atlantic) | More #SmartTakes: A History of Crossdressing Soldiers (The Atlantic) |
| Women in combat: Five key questions (NPR) | Women in combat: Five key questions (NPR) |
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