Essay 4—Draft

G.I. Janes

Should women be drafted into military combat? The topic has raised many disputes and arguments. Protestors argue that women are simply not as capable to fignt in combat as men. Feminist activist argue that we should all be treated equally; and if women complete the training , as men do, they should be given he opportunity to fignt for their country. But do women really complete the same level of training? The truth is, no, women complete the same training; but are not expected to be at the same level as men. Before women are drafted they need to be treated equally and complete all the necessary training at the same level. By putting the gender equality into effect, then the men would trust the women’s capabilities in compat, thus upholding the ‘esprit de corps’, (complete trust).

Most importantly, in order to be treated equally, women need to complete the same level of training as men. The question is, however, are women physically able to do this. The answer is both yes and no. Some studies, according to the BBC news from the UK, states only 2% of women army recruits are in just as good as shape as men. The percentage is small, but the army is made of only 13% women. Other studies have concluded that women can complete the same level of training, but require six months instead of only twelve weeks. The only problem with the extending time for training, is the military says it doesn’t have the budgeting. There are also other factors, like women only have 33% to 39% the bone mass of men, according to the BBC. This means that more stress is put on women, raising their injury levels much higher than men, up to eight times more. Another factor, is women who march with the men, take longer strides than they would normally, putting great strain on their knees and ankles. So just as someone didn’t come to basketball practice all week wouldn’t be expected to play in the game; if women can’t physically complete the same level of training as everyone else how can they expect to go into combat?

Another problem that arises with drafting women is they could conflict with the cohesive unit and undermine the esprit de corps. Esprit de corps is another way to say complete trust. Complete trust is an important role when dealing with human lives. Although it my not be fair, or moraly right; men argue that they could not trust a women’s abiltities in combat because they do not complete the same level of training. Men are afraid that if they were wounded their fellow female recruit would not be able to carry them to safety. It’s too bad that we don’t have more Joan of Arcs in out history to back women’s credability up more. Men also argue that women captives are more subject to sexual molestation and rape. To be able to fight in combat the troops need to be a team, a team needs trust to work effectively. If men can’t trust women, the squad is not effective. For men to trust women, women need to be treated equally, and be expected to train as everyone else.

Feminist activist argue, “If they want to fight, even die for their country, let them!” But what about the rest of the team, the squad, the troops. Men don’t want to watch a women get shot because she’s not physically strong enough to run through flying bullets while carrying all of the necessary equipment. I do believe that women should be able to fight in combat, one the front line; only if they train at the same level. Surprisenly most women feel the same way, they want to be treated equally. The male only draft is the only law that excludes women. Women are able to uphold positions in 70% of the military. But should they be drafted? Should a student who only attends class 60% of the time receive an A for attendence? Should a police officer who did not complete training be allowed to carry a gun? Putting aside all the men and women are equal protests, we have to be fair and truthful. Without putting limitations on women we need to realize women are not naturally physically strong as men. If they want to fight they need to train. Budgeting need to come up with a way to allow women an extending training period. Until then women cannot expect the draft anytime soon.