Women in U.S. infantry (USMC, Rangers, etc. - merged)

[mariomike]

Then again, the idea that the military is a profession is probably debatable as well. 

It would not be the first time.

 

[Edward Campbell]

Maybe this is slightly  ff topic: but if the topic is women in the military then is it, really, a huge leap to the feminisation of the US military, as in ...
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[FJAG]

Okay. I said no more posts but where in the name of all that is holy did that picture come from? Please, please, please tell me its a Duffel Blog article.

:facepalm:

:cheers:

 

[Edward Campbell]

Okay. I said no more posts but where in the name of all that is holy did that picture come from? Please, please, please tell me its a Duffel Blog article.

:facepalm:

:cheers:

Nope, sorry ... from one of the 'legitimate' folks on my Twitter list ... I'll go search.


Edited to add:

I haven't found the original, but I did find it again, here: https://www.facebook.com/usawtfm (scroll down a bit, 23 hours ago, from now) and the comments echo yours. Whoever posted it there says it's a Res or national Guard unit, but ... others say it may be one of those instructional techniques things in a leadership course where you tach other soldiers how to do something ... that could be it.

Maybe it's staged, for a joke, but it sure looks real, doesn't it?

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

It sure looks like a "practical" class from an Instructional Technique course. You never know what will be taught in those classes  :nod:.

You don't see the "instructor" in the picture (only the power Point slide at the back with the subject matter), so for all we know, it's a she.

 

[Edward Campbell]

Anyway, given the topic ... I couldn't resist.  :-[

 

[cupper]

I know it's not combat arms specifically, but it does figure in the debate.

Sources Say Obama Could Name First Female Combatant Commander

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/11/17/456384222/sources-say-obama-could-name-first-female-combatant-commander

President Barack Obama could be close to nominating the first-ever woman to become the head of a military combatant command, Pentagon sources tell NPR.

The U.S. military divides the world into areas of responsibility run by four-star generals and admirals, but none has ever been female. Obama wants to change that before the end of his term, Pentagon sources say, by naming a woman to take command of U.S. Northern Command, which also runs the well-known North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD.

NORAD and NorthCom are charged with defending the U.S., including scrambling Air Force fighters to respond to the recent intrusions by Russian bombers near American airspace. There's talk that its current commander, Navy Adm. Bill Gortney, could be retiring before his term is up at the end of next year, which would create the opportunity to make history with a female commander.

Two names on the shortlist are Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson, who now commands U.S. Air Forces in the Pacific, and Adm. Michelle Howard, who today serves as the vice chief of the Navy.

Robinson was the first woman to lead a major Air Force component command, and served as a senior air battle manager aboard an E-3 Sentry airborne early warning aircraft and the E-8 JSTARS — essentially responsible for command and control of combat missions, as well as surveillance.

Howard, meanwhile, is the number two officer in charge of running the day-to-day operations of the Navy. She made her way into popular culture when she ran the Navy's anti-pirate task force off East Africa back in 2009 and was portrayed (at least over the radio) in the movie "Captain Phillips," ordering a Navy destroyer to respond to a hijacking by Somali pirates.

Howard is also the Navy's first female four-star admiral; NPR profiled her last year.

Meanwhile, other combatant commands are coming open, including Central Command, responsible for running operations in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

There's an expectation that the current commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Campbell, will take that spot next spring when Gen. Lloyd Austin steps down. But some sources point to the current commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, Gen. Joe Votel. That would be an unusual move: An officer switching from one combatant command to another.

Special Operations Command's top job could go to Lt. Gen. Tony Thomas, who now runs the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., or Lt. Gen. Kenneth Tovo, who runs the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg.

Then there's Africa Command. Its current boss, Gen. David Rodriguez, steps down in the spring. Marine Lt. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser has been talked about for that job, although it could go to General Campbell if he doesn't get Central Command.

European Command could also go to Campbell, or Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, who now commands U.S. forces in South Korea.

 

[tomahawk6]

Anything is possible for this President,but my money would be on USAF General Robinson getting NORAD.Admiral Howard is more likely to become CNO rather than a combatant command.If she went to NORTHCOM I think that would be a step down in stature from Vice CNO or at the least a lateral move.Of course she might get the Chairman JCS should that come open.

 

[Rifleman62]

The United States Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter, is just now stating that ALL combat positions in the US Forces will be open to women.

Fox News:

Defense Secretary Ash Carter will order the military to open up all combat jobs to women.

The Associated Press reported on Thursday Carter is giving the armed services until Jan. 1 to submit plans to make the historic change.

Carter's official aonnouncement is expected later Thursday (Now).

It rebuffs arguments from the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman that the Marine Corps should be allowed to exclude women from certain front-line combat jobs, citing studies showing that mixed-gender units aren't as capable as all-male units. 

A senior defense official says all the services will have to begin putting plans in place by April 1. 

 

[cupper]

Heard that on the way home.

There is a 30 day comment period to allow Congress to make their opinions known.

 

[The Bread Guy]

And here's what SOCOM's boss had to say - highlights mine ....

Today, Secretary of Defense Carter announced his final determination to fully integrate all military positions, career fields, and specialties to women.  USSOCOM would like to take this opportunity to stand behind Secretary Carter’s decision, and fully support opening all special operations specialties and units to female service members.

By the original order in January 2013, all the Services and USSOCOM were given the opportunity to request specific exceptions to this policy.  After much study and careful consideration, USSOCOM Commander, General Joseph Votel, did not request an exception.

The USSOCOM staff and component teams have worked diligently on this effort over the last two-and-a-half years.  The components conducted a thorough review of doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities and policy.  This review looked hard into how integration would affect the cohesion and capabilities of our tactical formations.  USSOCOM also commissioned the RAND Corporation to conduct a survey and hold focus groups to gain insight into the perspectives of the force, to thoroughly understand any concerns within the special operations force about the integration of women into the closed career fields and units.

As USSOCOM moves forward with integration, the command will absolutely not lower, raise, or create multiple sets of standards for special operations.  If candidates meet time-tested and scientifically validated standards, and if they have proven that they have the physical, intellectual, professional, and character attributes that are so critical to special operations – they will be welcomed into the special operations forces ranks.

There are four principal factors that figured prominently into the decision to not seek an exception to this policy:

To begin, the first “SOF Truth” is that “Humans are more important than hardware.”  This truth applies equally to women as it does to men, and special operations benefits from a more diverse force.  Diversity provides access, insight and perspective that you simply can’t get with a homogenous force.  USSOCOM needs a wide range of exceptional people to be combat effective and to help us address the complex security problems of today’s environment.  As the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Michael Mullen has said, “it is vital to have people and voices at the table who, collectively, offer broader perspectives than anyone could alone.”

Second, USSOCOM and special operations have a proud and successful history in leading integration efforts.  One of the command’s predecessor organizations, the Office of Strategic Services is an example by having one in five team members being female.  Major General “Wild Bill” Donovan, a Medal of Honor recipient, described these women as “vital to an organization which touched every theater of war.”  In modern special operations forces, USSOCOM has had unique programs in place for over 25 years, to include Civil Affairs and Military Information Support Operations. Aircrew positions in Air Force Special Operations Command were opened to women in 1993.  Since 2011, women have been effectively employed as part of our Cultural Support Teams in Afghanistan. Selected female service members placed with our strike force effectively doubled our access to the population.  More recently, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment opened to women aviators in 2013.  Integration is not new to special operations, and the force has benefited from having women in the ranks. Women serve in staff and leadership positions, and are as committed to the ethos of “Quiet Professionalism” as anyone else.

Third, after weighing and considering the rigorous analysis of factual data regarding the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities, and taking into careful consideration the advice provided by commanders and senior enlisted leaders, it was determined there was no compelling analytical data that would support an Exception to Policy for special operations.

Finally, the United States is a nation of opportunity.  USSOCOM serves in a society that is built upon the belief that every American should be afforded the opportunity to rise to their full potential.  Each service member in the special operations community today was, at some time, afforded the opportunity to challenge the assessment and selection processes.  If people, men or women, can meet these standards, then they should be afforded the opportunity to achieve their full potential in the special operations community.

This integration does not come without concerns.  In making the recommendation, USSOCOM was aware of medical studies that strongly suggest that women incur injuries at a greater rate than men.  The command was also aware that some cultures and regions in which special operations forces operate may not be as accepting of female operators as they are of male operators.  Additionally, the command was aware that some service studies have indicated that gender-integrated teams may perform at a lower level than all-male teams.

USSOCOM looked at all these studies carefully.  Ultimately, it was determined that time-tested and validated assessment and selection standards and processes; experienced leadership; and the mature approach to mission accomplishment would mitigate these concerns.

USSOCOM wants to emphasize that the number one guiding direction from the chairman was to ensure the success of our nation’s warfighting forces by preserving unit readiness, cohesion, and morale.  These concerns are absolutely paramount.  America’s military and special operations forces are the best in the world because of the rigorous training and standards.  These standards have proven to bring in the right people to the community, and these will not change.

USSOCOM must always ensure training standards are valid and directly linked to operational requirements.  The Women In Service Review gave the opportunity to study the training standards to ensure they reflect the requirements of today’s battlefield.

This process used an industry-recognized standard, and was conducted by neutral third parties - the Naval Health Research Center and the Office of Personnel Management - working side by side with special operations forces’ training staffs.  The results were significant. USSOCOM ultimately determined that the standards, time and battle tested, were absolutely relevant to the challenges operators face on the battlefield.  Therefore, USSOCOM can say that current standards are based on occupational requirements, and neither favor nor prejudice any demographic or gender.

Several interviews with female service members confirmed that any deviation from these validated standards would only undermine a potential candidate’s credibility and be a disservice to the special operations community and those who are seeking to serve in it.  USSOCOM understands that the only path to true integration requires that successful completion comes without caveat.  The standards are, and will continue to be, the gatekeeper to service in all special operations occupations and units.  They are protected by public law, and have the full support of our commander.

Bottom line – these standards have worked for decades, and USSOCOM is not going to change them.  Special operations can trust in the assessment and selection processes to maintain the quality of our forces.

USSOCOM is confident that our effort will ultimately serve to benefit the community, the military, society, and nation.  The command will create an environment that is fair and equitable for all who have the courage and fortitude to challenge themselves in the assessment and selection arenas, and who desire to serve the nation as members of this select community.  General Votel is depending on special operations leadership to lead this integration, and has charged the force to uphold the “Quiet Professionalism” ethos that is the hallmark of America’s special operations forces.

 

[tomahawk6]

Here are the rules for female applicants for Special Forces,Civil Affairs and Psy Ops.I am opposed to females in the SF career field,but the other two fields should be a good fit for female soldiers that meet the standards.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2016/03/16/army-special-forces-gender-neutral-women-qualifications/81852684/

 

[cupper]

Here are the rules for female applicants for Special Forces,Civil Affairs and Psy Ops.I am opposed to females in the SF career field,but the other two fields should be a good fit for female soldiers that meet the standards.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2016/03/16/army-special-forces-gender-neutral-women-qualifications/81852684/

The only thing stopping me is the 6 pull ups. :nod:

And maybe the negative pregnancy test.

 

[cld617]

Here are the rules for female applicants for Special Forces,Civil Affairs and Psy Ops.I am opposed to females in the SF career field,but the other two fields should be a good fit for female soldiers that meet the standards.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2016/03/16/army-special-forces-gender-neutral-women-qualifications/81852684/

Too bad this doesn't address the fact that standards for women and men are different pre-selection for RASP (Ranger Assessment and Selection Program). As I've said before, sure they'll say they have the same standards to complete a course as any person standing next to them, but don't doubt for a second that they won't stack the deck.

 

[PuckChaser]

RASP only gets them in the door, still have to finish the "one standard" on the course

 

[cld617]

RASP only gets them in the door, still have to finish the "one standard" on the course

That's like making an entrance exam to a university easier for one demographic, but then giving the excuse that they'll still have to pass the final exams for the courses. The issue is that by doing so, you exclude candidates who could have been competitive with the higher standard. It also ties into comments I made earlier about female applicants receiving favorable treatment in prepping for selection in terms of both physical and even dietary coaching, perks others did not receive. Preferential treatment is the polar opposite of equality. The CF realizes that it cannot sustain a suitable force by creating two sets of standards within our specialty trades, no military should. The tasks required to be completed don't care what you have between your legs.

 

[Blackadder1916]

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2016/04/08/army-enlists-first-female-infantry-recruit/82807418/
Army enlists first female infantry recruit

Kevin Lilley, Army Times 5:21 p.m. EDT April 8, 2016

The Army's first female infantry recruit, a 25-year-old police officer from Louisiana, will report to basic training next year.

Tammy Grace Barnett took the oath of enlistment Thursday at Military Entrance Processing Station Shreveport. She plans to serve in military occupational specialty 11X, one of a series of MOSs that opened to women April 1.

Barnett initially visited Army recruiters in November, she said in an Army news release. She told TV station KSLA that she'd planned to enter the military police ranks, "but infantry is similar, and they are more on the front lines, like law enforcement here, and I said that's what I want to do."

She'll head to Fort Benning, Georgia, in June 2017 for basic training. The 14-month delay "is to allow the Army to properly prepare for new trainees by having trained female officers and [noncommissioned officers] in position," Army Recruiting Battalion Baton Rouge public affairs chief Roger Harmon said via email. "This allows female soldiers the opportunity to attend training and serve in a MOS previously only available to male soldiers."

Another MOS gender barrier fell recently at a recruiting station in Horseheads, a central New York town about 15 miles from the Pennsylvania border. There, Kaitlyn Stanton enlisted as a fire support specialist (MOS 13F), which opened to women April 1 along with 11-series specialties and other combat-related jobs.

Another female 13F recruit is set to enlist early next week in the Seattle area, a Recruiting Command spokesman said.

Barnett plans to celebrate her gender-equity milestone by going fishing with family this weekend. She's also already made some career plans.

"I have served the front lines in my hometown ... and now I am going to serve the front lines for my country,” Barnett said in the release. “I want to deploy, see action, and I definitely want to go to Airborne school.”

 

[LightFighter]

https://www.armytimes.com/articles/ten-women-graduate-from-the-armys-first-integrated-infantry-officer-course

Ten women graduate from the Army's first integrated infantry officer course
By: Meghann Myers, October 26, 2016
Ten of the 12 women who this spring took their first step to becoming infantry officers graduated Wednesday at Fort Benning, Georgia, according to an Army release.

The officers were part of the first gender-integrated class of the 17-week Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course, which takes freshly commissioned lieutenants and prepares them to receive their blue infantry cords.

"This is a process," Lt. Col. Matthew Weber, IBOLC's commander, told reporters Wednesday morning. "The training of an infantry lieutenant is a process until they step in front of that rifle platoon, and this is but the very first step in that process." 

The women were a dozen out of 166 total in the latest class. They will now move on to follow-on training such as Ranger school, Airborne school, the Stryker Leader Course and the Mechanized Leader Course before receiving their first assignments, Weber said. The pipeline takes about a year.

From there, units at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Hood, Texas, are preparing to accept the first female infantry platoon leaders, according to Maj. Gen. Eric Wesley, head of the Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence.

"The reason for that is we want to enable success in this new initiative and to enable success…we are priming the pump and enabling success by initially focusing on two installations," he said.

Also in the training pipeline are Capts. Kristen Griest and Shaye Haver, who in 2015 became the first women to complete the legendary Ranger course


Griest made a lateral transfer from military police to infantry earlier this year. Haver has been approved for a transfer from aviation but is waiting on final approval from Army Secretary Eric Fanning, said Brig. Gen. Peter Jones, commandant of the infantry school.

"I had the opportunity to present Capt. Griest her blue cord, becoming an infantryman," Wesley said. "And that was a special moment because what we saw was another step in this institution continuing to reflect American values – and that is opportunity to compete."

'Lieutenant, lieutenant, lieutenant'

As it went with Griest and Haver's Ranger graduation, questions arose about whether standards had been relaxed to make IBOLC more doable for the women.

"There’s no change in the way the course has been run," said Command Sgt. Maj. Joe Davis, the senior enlisted soldier at IBOLC. "We’re in the business of producing leaders, and it doesn’t matter if they’re male or females."

And like his colleagues, Davis stressed that bringing women into their ranks wasn't an unusual undertaking.

"This isn't something new. We’ve been integrating females in the military for years," he said. "I’ve seen them firsthand on the battlefield doing exceptional work." 

The focus, they all mentioned, begins and ends with standards.

"This makes us a better Army. The reason it makes us a better Army is this whole issue has driven us to ensure we had the right standards aligned to each occupational specialty in the Army," Jones said. "By defining that, what we’ve done is we’ve created a gender-neutral, standards-based training environment, so it no longer becomes a question of male or female."

And, Jones added, the women don't want special treatment.

"It’s Ranger, Ranger, Ranger. They want to be not, female Ranger -- Ranger," he said. "Same thing with lieutenant. It’s lieutenant, lieutenant, lieutenant."

 

[tomahawk6]

These officers are going to be out of the Army in 5 years,what a waste of resources.Women can advance to four stars in the logistics field and three stars in a variety of others,but the democrats who loathe the military want to hobble the Army and Marines if they can.

 

[ModlrMike]

So what? That makes them no different than the hundreds, if not thousands of men who don't make the first five years.