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SECNAV to Implement Sweeping Changes

jmcquate

Well-Known Member
Contributor
I'm not sure this is the proverbial hill to die on, but only because I'm pretty sure the outcome was preordained. Pick a fight you stand a chance of winning. It's interesting how openly and freely the usually staid Marines are reacting to this.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...y-marines-in-gender-integrated-infantry-unit/
No it's not. It's a bad idea for the Army and the Corps. The Soviets and the Israelis did it out of desperation. Combat is nowhere to play with progressive fantasies.
 
SECNAV's comments regarding the study have been embarrassing. If he had issues with the methodology of the report, he should have fixed it before the study concluded. Now he just looks foolish trying to explain his position contrary to the evidence. Evidence that the USMC, an organization in his department, has spent significant time and energy gathering.
 

Flash

SEVAL/ECMO
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
No it's not. It's a bad idea for the Army and the Corps. The Soviets and the Israelis did it out of desperation. Combat is nowhere to play with progressive fantasies.

Actually the Israelis still have a mixed-gender unit called the Caracal Battalion that patrols the Israel-Egypt border. Norway, Denmark and a few other countries also allow women in all combat arms units though a few notable ones like the Dutch and the Brits don't.

My concern about opening things up will be the questions raised by some after every female who tried to do Marine Infantry officer training didn't complete it, basically saying that the standards need to be looked at for being too tough. If years go by and no women pass BUD/S, PJ training or any of a number of special forces training schools will our leadership accept that or pressure them to pass females?
 

Hotdogs

I don’t care if I hurt your feelings
pilot
Actually the Israelis still have a mixed-gender unit called the Caracal Battalion that patrols the Israel-Egypt border. Norway, Denmark and a few other countries also allow women in all combat arms units though a few notable ones like the Dutch and the Brits don't.

Yeah uh, that battalion isn't what I would exactly call a "model for success" for gender integration.
 

Flash

SEVAL/ECMO
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Yeah uh, that battalion isn't what I would exactly call a "model for success" for gender integration.

Not saying it is but it is trumpeted as such by some folks advocating for opening all combat positions to women. Have you heard anything in particular about the unit? All I have found is generally supportive of the unit but that is largely PR, not in-depth articles/studies.
 

P3 F0

Well-Known Member
None
SECNAV's comments regarding the study have been embarrassing. If he had issues with the methodology of the report, he should have fixed it before the study concluded. Now he just looks foolish trying to explain his position contrary to the evidence. Evidence that the USMC, an organization in his department, has spent significant time and energy gathering.
Well, he's right. "..[the study says that] because women get injured more frequently, that over time women will break down more. That you will begin to lose your combat effectiveness over time. That was not shown in this study." Sure. I'd say you lose your combat effectiveness immediately when any member, male or female, meds down.

My only issue with this study is that I wish they'd been more strict with personnel coming and going from the units. Not sure how they'd fix that, but it's a variable that muddies the water a little. Otherwise, BZ to the Marines, who seem to have gone all in for this study. After reading the summary of results, I'm pretty surprised at how categorically and significantly integration detracts.
 
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sevenhelmet

Low calorie attack from the Heartland
pilot
It just goes to show that you can make the best, most scientific study imaginable, but if there is a preconceived notion based on what is considered PC for the day, your study doesn't mean jack shit.

I wonder if anyone asked at the beginning "What happens when we find result X and the brass doesn't like it?".
 

Brett327

Well-Known Member
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
It just goes to show that you can make the best, most scientific study imaginable, but if there is a preconceived notion based on what is considered PC for the day, your study doesn't mean jack shit.

I wonder if anyone asked at the beginning "What happens when we find result X and the brass doesn't like it?".
These are questions the brass should have been asking themselves.
 

Hotdogs

I don’t care if I hurt your feelings
pilot
Not saying it is but it is trumpeted as such by some folks advocating for opening all combat positions to women. Have you heard anything in particular about the unit? All I have found is generally supportive of the unit but that is largely PR, not in-depth articles/studies.

The IDF has a draft, and over 90% of their jobs are open to women, yet there is not a swarm of volunteers going into those jobs and most do not go into combat arms because it's a mandatory 3 year commitment. That particular unit is currently stationed in the Sinai as essentially border and patrol guards. I think the issue is the lack of statistics of the Caracal Battalion's performance during the 2006 Lebanon War. Being as the battalion was committed to the operation as the first mixed gender combat unit to enter a conflict you think it would be trumpeted as a success? Amongst most Infantry Marines that are familiar with the war, it is a well-known but covered up fact that it did not do so well (As well as the entirety of the IDF compared to previous successes for that matter.) I know that I have no data to support this, but apparently this is a some what commonly know fact. Take it for what it's worth.

Having a mixed battalion or regiment of integrated female/males is one thing, but having the entirety of the ground combat element of the US Military integrated is probably not a good idea. It in no way shape or form increases combat effectiveness/readiness and in some cases can probably lower it. I also do not think that lowering standards is a way to do it either. Hell no. Serving in the military is not a right.
 

sevenhelmet

Low calorie attack from the Heartland
pilot
Lowering standards to force integration has and will continue to kill people in combat. Absolutely agree.
 
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