"officers and NCOs in mixed units definitely have a whole slew of issues and problems that those of us who only led in all male organizations never had to deal with."

I concur...

khyros wrote:

"This is not just arrogance and pride. The infantry attitude is hammered into every man wearing a blue cord from day-1 of basic training. Self reliance and self-sufficiency are requirements because nine times out of ten, we have to make do and improvise on our own. An infantry outfit can continue on mission and be successfull in combat despite being cut off from all outside help... good example of this is operations conducted in Burma by Merril's marauders. No other branch of the Army can make that claim. I am truly sorry if you have been offended by some of the statements made here in this thread but I can garauntee that each of us who served with a line infantry organization has had experiences in training and combat where we were left in a lurch by support units and had to make do.  Does this attitude reduce our effectiveness? Of course it does... I've witnessed plenty of situations where commanders have not used available assetts such as armor or transportation to aid in mission accomplishment because they either were so used to relying on their own organizations or had bad experiences in the past that made them feel these units were unreliable. The infantry attitude is an albatross on the necks of our personnel that unfortunately, get's reinforced far too often... "

That's superior insight on your part, Airborne...

John very well put,I feel the same way.There is no way in hell I want a women in my squad,platoon,or company weather she can handle the physical part of it or not.I think that it would screw up morale,it would be worse than serving in a leg unit

MIKE LANSAW        

Delta 6 wrote: 

"Even if women could perform 100% physically equal to men, their very presence in the close Infantry environment would create group dynamic issues that would lead to the break down of male bonding and unit cohesion. That's a fact, and it's something we do not have the time or luxury to deal with in the combat arms."

Actually, that's another OPINION.

I don't think women should serve in every military unit - especially those which are inclined to participate in close combat.

I don't believe our country is ready for it socially and culturally, and it could certainly lead to some group dynamic issues which would be very difficult for Commanders to deal with.

I'm also aware that there are ways to voice my opinion on this subject without badmouthing women as a whole.

Especially on an open forum for all PARATROOPERS - Not just US Army Infantry, Rangers & Special Forces, USAF Special Tactics, USMC Infantry & Recon, USN SEALS and other organizations which don't include women.

And if anyone's next argument will be about how you're not really a PARATROOPER unless you're Infantry - Save it! 

I would have to agree with JR on this one.  I also don't think the country is totally ready for the absolute inclusion of females in all combat arms MOS's.  HOWEVER, I believe the country is doing well considering the increasing number of female soldiers dying and being wounded in the GWOT.  It's a different world, and the country is evolving on all levels. 

I can't help but see problems in the idea that all women will break down the morale of a unit.  I've seen many females that I would rather see just get completely out of the Army than to have to serve with them.  I've also seen an equal number of males I feel the same way about, both paratroopers and legs.  To try and paint all women in the military as morale breakers, or worse, is doing a huge injustice to the thousands who have served and are serving and DYING in battle today.