Women in Combat Roles
The role of women in the Indian Military is taking a turn. The relative success of the Indian Army in recent conventional wars has meant that the role of women has expanded to encompass a large majority of support operations in the army, navy, and air force. The Indian Air Force now has over 15,000 female officers and the number is growing every year.
There has been a long battle within Indian armed forces to allow women in combat arms. Today, the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air force allow women in combat roles, while the same is not true of the Border Security Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (ranking them the third-largest forces in terms of deployments after the Army and the Indian Navy). A proposal before the Central Committee of National Security (headed by the Prime Minister) seeks permission for inducting women into CRPF as well.
According to me, Proposal A will be the right choice for the upcoming generation. Being a part of the Indian army is a way of showing patriotism. Not only men but women also should be given equal opportunity to show their love for the country. There has been a huge turnaround for Women in Combat roles in comparison to our history. I feel delighted to know that I am not the only one thinking this way. The Indian Army is taking decisions regardless of gender and I think this should be carried on. Women have been given the opportunities to prove themselves in other branches of the armed forces. They have undergone training and even served in combat situations during peacekeeping missions. However, as far as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is concerned, a two-and-half-year process of extensive discussions have finally culminated in the decision to induct women pilots into its fighter stream. Women have not been a part of the infantry or armored corps until now.
However, this should not be a reason to stall women from being a part of the Indian Army. Such stereotypes should not be appreciated and society should start accepting Women in Combat Roles. Women have been known to make a difference in history. The smooth transition of women to the armed forces can be a feather in the cap of our country’s achievements.