Reactions mixed on women in combat arms

Stars and Stripes ^ | Jan 14, 2011 | Nancy Montgomery

[KeyLargo]

Reactions mixed on women in combat arms

By Nancy Montgomery Stars and Stripes Published: January 14, 2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — The notion that women in the armed forces might be allowed to serve alongside men in combat provoked sharp reactions Friday among a sampling of Marines on the front lines of the war in Afghanistan, suggesting a heated debate yet to come.

“It’s very tough, what we have to go through,” said Lance Cpl. John Rolfes of 2nd Battalion, Third Marines, deployed with a Marine infantry unit at Patrol Base Jaker in Nawa. “I personally don’t know any women that could fulfill that role.”

A military advisory panel on diversity in the armed forces signaled this week that it may recommend that female troops should be able to serve in combat units without any restrictions, calling the current prohibition an out-of-date idea that unnecessarily discriminates against women.

[KeyLargo]

Poll to freep”

Today’s Poll

Do you want women on the front lines of the military?

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No

33%
*

Yes

67%

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