From a Feminist Point of View

Many individuals are adamant about the belief that women cannot be 'trained killers'- women will freeze up and hesitate when it comes down to actually pulling the trigger. As this article so eloquently states, mindsets have nothing to do with what lies between your legs. Many also argue that men are the protectors of women, and therefore women should not be in the military. I love this quote by Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Civil War Medal Honors recipient: "You men are not our protectors... if you were, who would there be to protect us from?" I think this quote relates very well to the afforementioned topic of rape and sexual assault by military men. The article also makes a great point on women's behalf: Nowadays, most fighting is done using technology, and women are just as capable of working technological devices as men. Pretty much gone are the days of sword-fighting and slitting throats.


Women Receive Worse Out-Patient Care Than Men

Women make up only about 5% of the Veteran's Affairs population, but according to this article, that number is expected to double in the next few years as more women return from combat and seek care. 1/3 of the facilities offered to women are not as good as the facilities offered to men. The Veteran's Affairs is currently attempting to make women's facilities comparable to men's, and is hiring professionals specializing in women's cares, is adding mammography equipment, and is 'broadening its approach to better address diseases prevelant among women such as lung cancer.' I think it's understandable that as of right now the services offered to women soldiers are not as good as men's- I mean, women only reccently started taking an active role in the military, so it's only common sense that there was not female specialists and feminine equipment. Now that more and more women are in the military, more and more women will need to seek treatment, so hopefully efforts to serve women are continued so these brave women can receive the care they deserve.


Care of Female Soldiers

"Chicks love scars [on men]. Well do guys love scars [on women]? I don't know," Danielle Green Byrd, a soldier wounded in Iraq from a hand grenade stated. The article says 'At war they tried to be just one of the boys. At home, they struggle to be a woman again.' Returning from war a wounded soldier is very hard indeed. Many women struggle with the prospect they can never be 'girlie' again- amputees are unable to wear high heels, individuals with missing limbs are unable to paint nails again, and even fasten bras themselves. A military camp strictly for women has been created, and military women are able to bond with other women soldiers and discuss wartime issues and challenges they are facing today due to injury in war. Women value girl-time, and men value guy-time, and I think this camp is a great way for women to play the role of 'counselor' and listen to eachother, as well as learn how to still be feminine even though 'feminine' parts of the body are severed or missing.

Youtube Video about women with PTSD.

PTSD- post-traumatic stress disorder-is not just an effect of leaving a war-zone; now PTSD is an effect of getting raped or sexually assaulted in the military as well. Rape and sexual assault is serious, and not an issue easily forgotten. This violence against women causes life-long fears and anxiety. Several women in this video say they still have nightmares. The Women's Trauma Recovery Program in California is run by the Department of Veteran's Affairs and serves to provide therapy to women who experience sexual abuse in the military. If there is a huge department providing care to women experiencing sexual abuse in the military, obviously there is a problem.

Article about soldiers being refused services

The Metro Hotel in Great Britain has a "habit of turning away servicemen". A corporal in the military (with an injured wrist) went to the hotel late one night hoping to rent a room for the night so the next day he could go to his friend and fellow soldier's funeral whom had died in combat. The corporal was refused a room and had to stay in his car all night long. It's very upsetting that soldiers are refused rooms simply because they are soldiers. I don't care if you don't believe in war, I don't care if you hate violence in general- soldiers are doing their job, and it is only morally correct to treat them no worse than you would any other person. These are the individuals that are prepared to fight should our great country need defense. One would not refuse a doctor or a secretary a room in a hotel, so why should a soldier be refused a room? Soldiers are people and should be treated as such.

Women in the military: More likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire
According to this article, only 181 of 2,212 rapists and sexual assaulters were sent to court-martial (a criminal prosecution). 201 rapists/sexual assaulters were given menial punishments, such as confinement to their quarters or assigned extra duties. That's all really assuring, isn't it? These statistics are horrible: most rapists/sexual assaulters don't even get punished, and those that do pretty much are "sent to the corner" for a few minutes. Rape is all about seeking power, and the military should seek power over these individuals by "dishing out" harsher punishments. Rapists/sexual assaulters are obviously begging for attention, and believe me, they should get it!
According to statistics, military rape has jumped 73% from 2004 to 2006.

A quilt honoring military women has finally been unveiled. The quilt is hand-sewn and features the names of fallen military women. The quilt is very "Americana", with the names of the women in the stripes. The quilt also features inspirational quotes and patriotic sayings. The quilt is pretty awesome looking, so you guys should check it out, even if you don't feel like reading the article. It's amazing that people can be that talented. I can hardly even crochet a scarf... it's coming along though... anyways, I think it's great that this quilt was created to honor the fallen women of our military.

Random

This is absolutely horrible. 

According to this article, 15% of women soldiers are sexually harassed or raped? There's even a major treatment center for these women. This sexual assault stuff needs to be stopped! 

Excellent, excellent article... 

Women not only have to worry about enemies attacking them, but also their fellow comrades attacking them sexually. One woman soldier was raped by a fellow male soldier, and the only consequence the man received was to be reassigned to a different location. Wow, that's a great punishment. Phht. The woman reported the rape, and the case was to be kept silent so as to deter gossip, but of course the story was leaked and everyone found out. So the woman was raped by none other than her "ally", had the story leaked, AND was probably let down because the assaulter only received a change of location. Many women soldiers have "battle buddies"- usually other women that accompany them everywhere- to the bathroom, to the showers, etc. to feel protected. I think this is a good idea. If a man sees two people, he is less likely to make a move. According to this article, women have been dying of dehydration because they refuse to drink water after 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon because they fear going to the bathroom, lest they get raped. Some women urinate in empty water bottles in the middle of the night to avoid going to the latrine. This is horrible! Something needs to be done! I think there needs to be more severe consequences for those who sexually harass or assault/rape fellow soldiers. This is utter insanity. As Shakespeare once wrote: "There's daggers in men's smiles"- allies act like they really are allies, but they commit such horrible acts towards one of their own! Women need to continue being wary of their allies, as horrible as that sounds, and the military needs to think of ways to solve this ongoing problem.

Mulan Clip

At first I didn't exactly like the video. Perhaps it's because Mulan was depicted as really really incapable, whereas all the men seemed to catch on very fast. I don't think this is exactly reality. I loved the part at the end, however, when Mulan kicked ass and proved she could do everything the men could do, and at times even more. Mulan captured the arrow at the top of the pole when nobody else was able to. How cool is that? I decided to look up the lyrics and became irritated. Here are just a few: 

Did they send me daughters/ When I asked for sons?/You're the saddest bunch/ I ever met/ But you can bet/ Before we're through/ Mister I'll make a man out of you

So apparently the leader of the soldiers is lamenting the fact his soldiers are pansies, and he's relating them to women. Because all women are pansies and can't fight, of course. WRONG. 

Soldiers and Pregnancy

Click Here!

Finally... I have found an article about women soldiers and pregnancy. According to the article, about 40% of women soldiers have children, and about 10% become pregnant annually. Women are allowed only a four month respite from their jobs to nurse and be home with their newborn before they must return to their jobs. Many women soldiers are deployed to war zones soon after returning to work. Some experts believe if mothers were given eight months instead of only four months with their newborn, more women may be encouraged to join the military. Many women interested in joining the military are ultimately deterred because they wish to start a family, and it is quite difficult to be deeply involved with family when an individual is clear across the world fighting in a war. It is very difficult to me to state an opinion on this issue... I completely understand mother's yearning to be with their newborn. I am not a mother myself, but I can only imagine the deep bond one must develop instantly upon setting eyes on her wee one. I don't necessarily think extending the four month off period to eight will entice more women to join the military. Perhaps allowing four more months will make it even harder for mothers to leave their babies in the end. This is a very difficult issue, I think, to give an opinion on. I know from experience (my brother went through this) that it is very hard to leave a newborn baby (in my brother's case, only two days after my niece was born) to fight in a war. Perhaps having a family is all about timing- plan for the most appropriate time to start a family, whatever that may be. Once again, this topic, I believe, evokes much consideration.

What do you guys think about this issue? 

Combat Roles Considered

Click Here.

This article mentions that women may be subject to the draft- What do you guys think? I think it's only fair. If women are fighting alongside men as equals they should get chosen to do so in the same manner. The article also mentions that allowing women in the armed forces allows for a more diverse and numerous pool of applicants, but on the other hand, women may be subject to sexual harassment or even rape if they are to be taken as prisoners of war. The article says though that women are aware of the consequences even before they sign up for the military. Women should be aware of all consequences BEFORE even signing that dotted line saying they agree to enter the armed forces. The article talks more about past issues I have covered, but indeed do read these. This article shows both sides of each argument, so it does make for a good read. One thing the article does mention that is new to this blog, however, is pregnancy. Men cannot get pregnant, whereas women may. Pregnancy in a war zone is not a good thing, indeed. Should women still be allowed in combat if they are pregnant, or should they immediately be sent home? This article does not talk very much in depth about what actions should take place, but I hope to find an article that discusses this situation next week. For now though, read through this article and let me know what you think. 

The article also says that allowing men and women to compete for military positions is not a matter of equal rights but a matter of having the most qualified person fulfill each position. Amen to that. Who cares what gender you are? If you are good at your job, rock on. There may be some women that are not fit to work in a certain area, and then again there are men who are not fit to work in a certain position. It's not just a matter of gender, folks.

Women in War

Advantage of Women in War

Great video!!!

Nikki Wadhawan, a search member in the Iron Hawk search team in the military, is a valuable team member. And yes, she is a woman. *Gasp*. What advantage could a WOMAN possibly have in the military? This war is not like others in the past. Muslim women, as is custom, are not comfortable in the presence of men unrelated to them, especially American men in the military. Seeing a woman amongst the men immediately calms the Muslim women down when military troops come knocking on their doors. Nikki Wadhawan provides a sense of security to these women. When both parties are calm, more can be accomplished. 

My Marine

By  Nancy Radcliffe

I have a marine of whom I'm proud

So I sing her praises loud!

She could have been a beauty queen,

But she chose instead to be a Marine.

A combat correspondent's role 

was her only thought and goal.

Her finishing school was P.I.

(That's where she learned about Semper Fi.)

Although I pray combat she'll never see

She's as trained and ready as she can be.

So, men, give her the respect she's due

And never doubt she's as tough as you.

Being a marine is always rough,

But a woman marine? That's twice as tough.

I really like this poem. I can just picture a pretty girl growing up. Everyone knew she was beautiful and could go far and do anything. She learned about the military and wanted to join. She worked hard alongside other women just as determined as her, as well as men, and she gained the experience and training to enter combat if she is called upon. I love the line "So men, give her the respect she's due and never doubt she's as tough as you." She may not have huge biceps or be 6'4", but don't ever doubt her potential to kick ass. She went through the same training the men did, so she is just as prepared mentally as everyone else. Yes, being a marine is tough, but a woman marine is INDEED twice as tough, I think. Women have to prove not only that they have the potential to defend their country, but also they need to prove that as a woman they may defend their country. Women have to face prejudices directed their way from their fellow soldiers and the rest of the world, and they have to prove their abilities and their sense of readiness. I really respect all our brave women serving in the military- continue to prove that women are just as capable as men! 

Written by R.E. Mike Patterson

Strong and True

We can pick her out anywhere, even in a crowded hall

She's the one with shoulders back, chin up and standing tall.

Nothing out of place, no loose buttons or Irish pennants to be seen,

She would not stand for it; after all, she's a Marine.

She has earned her right, suffering with bruises and pain;

The training is not easy; She made it and has the right to remain.

Though bruised and battered and at times her body bent,

She pushed herself forward, her own pain forgotten, as she stops to help a friend.

No matter what they pushed her way, she didn't relent

Because she was bound and determined to make it to the end.

Pushing forward, at times against all odds, doing it all and more.

What's inside that drives her is "Espirit de Corps."

So when you see her standing in her uniform of blue or green, 

Keep in mind she belongs to an elite sisterhood that accepts only the Few and the Proud.

Always standing strong and true, for she is a United States Woman Marine.

I like this poem as well, because it describes a typical soldier... which a woman in the marines is. If you took out the references to this soldier's gender, you would assume it is just a typical soldier. When you are privy to the knowledge that this soldier is a woman, it makes no difference. This soldier is just like all others- wearing her uniform proud and impeccably put together, helping those in need, and manifesting a determined physiognomy. She fought hard and pushed even when she felt she could do no more, just as every soldier must. The poem states, "She has a right to remain." Heck yes she does. How can someone take away such a prestigious position one has proven she is deserving of? She fought hard and conquered her goals, and NOBODY should take away her right to serve alongside others who fought as she did. She is one of the few, the proud. She is a Marine.