Army opens jobs in combat battalions to women

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

May 15, 2:52 PM EDT
Army opens jobs in combat battalions to women
KRISTIN M. HALL
Associated Press

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) -- Female soldiers this week are moving into new jobs in once all-male units as the Army breaks down formal barriers in recognition of what's already gone on in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The policy change announced earlier this year is being tested at nine brigades, including one at Fort Campbell, before going Army-wide. It opens thousands of jobs to female soldiers by loosening restrictions meant to keep them away from the battlefield, after the experience on the ground in the past decade showed women were fighting and dying alongside male soldiers anyway.

Col. Val Keaveny Jr., commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team that is among units piloting the change, told The Associated Press that for the last decade it has been common to have women temporarily attached to the combat units and serve alongside them.

"Women have served in our Army since the Revolutionary War and they have done phenomenal work and continue to do so today. There is great talent and now we can have it in the headquarters of infantry, armor and cavalry," he said.

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) -- Female soldiers this week are moving into new jobs in once all-male units as the Army breaks down formal barriers in recognition of what's already gone on in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The policy change announced earlier this year is being tested at nine brigades, including one at Fort Campbell, before going Army-wide. It opens thousands of jobs to female soldiers by loosening restrictions meant to keep them away from the battlefield, after the experience on the ground in the past decade showed women were fighting and dying alongside male soldiers anyway.

Col. Val Keaveny Jr., commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team that is among units piloting the change, told The Associated Press that for the last decade it has been common to have women temporarily attached to the combat units and serve alongside them.

"Women have served in our Army since the Revolutionary War and they have done phenomenal work and continue to do so today. There is great talent and now we can have it in the headquarters of infantry, armor and cavalry," he said.



Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_MILITARY_WOMEN_IN_COMBAT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-05-15-14-52-58

[rocktivity]

1. I don't know if it's really being done out of enlightenment or desperation

But I'm glad to hear it. CUE THE VONAGE THEME!


rocktivity

[sarge43]

2. With the military it's not always an either/or.

That does remove one of the few remaining glass ceilings, for officers anyway.

[hack89]

3. Just reflects the reality of the modern battlefield.

there are no longer clearly defined front lines anymore. Women have been fighting and dying just like men.

[pasto76]

4. I can tell you it's enlightenment

SECDEF gates did a hell of a job getting the priorities straight. This is some of it.

Females fought right alongside me in Iraq. They convoyed, they did security, they did everything I did except stand to pee. Opening these battalion level positions is a big thing.

I served under 4th BCT, they ran a tight AOR when I was there. attacks were down, everything was going in a positive direction. Then we all rotated and the replacement units didnt take heed of their advice, and had their own ideas how to run the area.

100% of all active duty army NCOs are being reviewed for retention this year. 50% of them will be forced out. We have an over abundance of manpower right now for the tasks at hand. We certainly dont need to force women in to fill anything.