Hmmm
Posted on 02/23/2010 4:37:04 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The US navy has decided to allow women to serve on submarines, Pentagon officials said on Tuesday, ending one of the last all-male bastions in the American military.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates approved the recommendation and sent letters to Congress on Monday informing lawmakers of the plan, officials said.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Admiral Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, had briefed Gates on the change and "he's endorsed it and sent it on to Congress," press secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters.
Lawmakers have 30 days to comment on the move before it goes into effect, officials said.
American women can already serve on the Navy's fleet of warships and fly fighter aircraft but nuclear-powered subs have remained off limits.
US naval officers previously cited the extremely tight quarters of a submarine as the main reason for the prohibition, but those who favor lifting the ban say subs could be outfitted with separate berths and bathrooms.
The decision calls for "a phased approach to assigning women on submarines," said a defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
One option under consideration would to first allow female officers to serve on submarines, the official told AFP.
That approach would involve less sweeping change as officers already have separate quarters from enlisted service members, the official said.
The first group of female officers selected for the duty would have to attend special training for submarines and for nuclear-powered vessels that takes more than a year, the official added.
Top military officer Admiral Mike Mullen first called for the change in written testimony to Congress last year, saying he wanted to "continue to broaden opportunities for women" in the armed forces.
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
Un-G*d damn real.
FTN.
The only thing that can cure this country is a meteor, the plague, or something unthinkable.
Our brass are a bunch of scumbag “yes” men. I weep for the future. Seriously.
In 1983 I was in the Navy and was put in a group and asked about this possibility. Two people stood up and said, “what difference do our opinions make?”
They were right. They’re going to do what they’re going to do.
Party time!
this is going to be interesting; espcially on board a fast attack like I was on. You had to go outside to change your mind.
In other news, the Obama administration announced that it was seeking unionized companies to bid on a Navy RFP to install screen doors on the submarine fleet...
Run slilent, run deep.
Yep, they sneaked him in during the middle of the summer recess. Winter stuck around for a while after Bush left, maybe 'till the end of spring.
On a better note, I was surprised to here McCugh (sp?) former NY Congressman and current Secretary of the Army say - on the record, and in an open hearing - that letting gays serve openly in the military was a bad, bad idea. I about fell off my chair.
I was a former navy nuke submariner as well. a long time ago.
Good lord...I just had a conversation today with a newly minted airborne kid from 101st describing to me how High School football Summer practice in pads in Dothan Alabama was far worse than anything ARMY bootcamp threw at them today due to having to accomodate girls.
I told him maybe he shoulda thought about Marines?
(that may have changed too)
we are a cookoo society
Up para scope!
As long as they have a 4 day monthly stand down while on patrol to avoid tripping a rage induced nuc.
the military exists at the pleasure to employ women and queers so they can broaden their opportunities...who knew?
I agree
Take her down to periscope depth Ensign Aimee !
Suicidal. Internal enemy wins another battle. Nice.
I’m sure the Russkies and ChiComs are happy.
The feminist fanatics probably think these missions can be cut short or stops at sea can be made to remove the affected person(s).
I feel the MAD doctrine that's kept us safe from other folk's ICBMs crumbling at our feet.
Better up the fire insurance coverage and buy more guns.
Probably less opportunity for hanky panky on a sub than on any other ship in the fleet.
This is why I submitted my request to be added to the retirement list shortly after Obama took office. I knew people were going to lose their minds, but I must say, even this is surprising.
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