2 years, 10 months ago-
The advance of equal opportunities laws and cultural change have opened many jobs to women which used to be closed to them – the military is now one of the very few parts of society to formally discriminate against women in some way.
While woman have gradually been allowed any number of roles within the military behind the front line of combat—including highly demanding jobs such as being a pilot of a refueling aircraft—there remains a cultural taboo in western militaries about a woman infantryman, tank crew member or combat pilot. The debate about whether women should be allowed to serve in combat roles has been active for over a decade now.Proposal A
This position upholds equality between the sexes. As long as an applicant is qualified for a position, one’s gender is arbitrary. In fact, critics often mention that women cannot meet the performance targets set for their positions. This is rank hypocrisy. In the American army, for example, performance targets are regularly calibrated for age and position. A forty year-old senior noncommissioned officer faces a much easier set of targets than his 20 year-old subordinate, yet both are deployed in an active combat role. The twenty-year old woman will outperform her NCO in physical tests: it is easy to recruit and deploy women who are in better shape than many men we send into combat. In any case, the modern high technology battlefield increasingly means that technical expertise and decision-making skills are more valuable than simple brute strength.Proposal B
Women are equal to men in the armed forces, but they are not the same as men. While the vast proportion of jobs in the armed forces are open equally to men and women, there are some to which women are just not physically suited. While some women are able to meet the absolute physical requirements for front-line combat such as carrying a wounded soldier, throwing grenades or digging a trench in hard terrain, most are not. While integration of women into combat is possible for those qualified, the small number versus the additional logistical, regulatory and disciplinary costs associated with integration do not make it a worthwhile move.I am strongly in favour of proppsal A. Women all around our county are eagerly willing to join the combat roles in order to fight for their nation while people of their country can sleep in peace. If women were allowed just once taking into consideration all the physical, mental and social barriers, everything ought to fall in place. But if a woman is stopped from performing combat roles just because a man is unable to take orders below him, then this behaviour is ridiculous. Whether an order is given by a man or a woman shouldn’t matter when it comes to safety and making the right decision for the nation for at the end a leader is a leader.
I have observed in the above-given statements that people are highly questioning about how women lack the capabilities of being in a combat role, but this occurs simply because they aren’t given that chance they need to prove that women are no less. I mean, I completely understand that women are stated to be different in their roles and that they are meant to be different regarding certain features, but there are some strong Indian women out there who are much more capable than men when it comes to being physically, mentally and emotionally strong. At least the women belonging in these categories should get a chance, right?
There are literally some women here who are ready to work harder to prove themselves to fight for OUR COUNTRY, leaving their homes, family just to be fit for the physical requirements that are required to get into combat. This should actually make us proud that we have women in our country with such a mentality of wanting to be in combat to fight against our country’s enemy, but no, we decide not to give them any chance at all! The law of our country should undergo a change to let women in such roles which would surely benefit the country. I’m not saying every woman should be taken in, but at least the ones who are mentally compatible should be considered for sure. Let’s just accept, with the current war with China,the upcoming war with China almost going to happen, and the war with China, that India is in need for more soldiers and let those be women themselves.
I have seen many people comparing the Indian Army with the US Army, and I must state that one should never do that. Our land is thrice larger than theirs, and the number of armies with them is in large numbers as compared to us. I so wish things were just the opposite right now!
It is totally faulty for a person to say that women have limitations when it comes to physical strength. Many women know that the Indian Army requires physical strength and that why they want to get in and are fighting for equal rights when it comes to combat rules. They are ready to make themselves as fit as men or even more fit, you can say, just to come in front line roles which have domination of physical strength requirements. Women of our country are totally willing to make change and build themselves up to fit in.
I say, why doesn’t the law just give a chance and equal opportunity to women and see. Women should get the opportunity to experience first. Let us sit back just for once and see what the outcome would be. NO ONE has the right to assume things without actually knowing how it would work for women because it is totally unjust for a woman to be pushed away from combat roles.
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.
Option A should be recommended as it serves gender equality and will help overall women empowerment.
First, if we continue make our girls think like there’s something wrong with their body, strength etc for which they can’t get to the higher rank, they can’t serve their country despite of willing, an whole gender is just going to accept them like yes, they are weak, they don’t possess the strength so they should be under another gender. It makes them stop believing in themselves. And another gender, means our men start to feel some sort of extra strength and a strong urge to either protect or destroy another one. As a result, our society is made at which we have to aware our girls to punch if a guy is eve-teasing her. Why awareness? Isn’t it a primary feeling that one should do that? But no, we women accept it that we are weak, so before lifting our single voice, we have to think extra thousand ways. This society manipulate us to think that we are inferior.
Of course, this mindset alone isn’t enough to suppress all the women. But still, not everyone is equal, why do we expect every women to struggle and be it rather than not making path for them.
Already many first world countries have decided and employed it.
Norway allowed women in all combat roles in 1985
All military roles open to women since 1989 in Canada
Britain opened all ground combat jobs to women in 2016
Women have served in combat positions since 1995 in Israel
But our, Indian government has a lot of problems with women physic, physical strength, psychological issues . And with some lame cause they just want to suppress women.
“The men don’t have a problem, it is senior officers, old “general sahibs” who call the shots, who don’t want to see women in combat and in commanding roles. They don’t want to be answerable to a woman. Because they have never worked with women and don’t trust them”-Captain Anita Ganz (retd)
While we’re in the twenty first century, isn’t it just a bad joke just because men want to stabilize their patriarchy?
Rank and combat roles should be decided on the abilities required, not in the basis of gender.I am in favor of A. If women are willing to join the army they should get the chance. Because women also equally fight and win but our society thinks that women are not physically fit as compare to men they can only handle the intelligence work in the army. Also, some people don’t want to get ordered by females because it will hurt their male ego. Every individual should be allowed to serve and fight for the country. we should end being bias, give women the fair chance for serving the country. There always being debates about women should not be allowed in combat roles because if they will get pregnant their body becomes weak, but I think it’s very subjective it depends on women to women about fitness. the Women are serving in Indian Air force, and they are being exceptionally well so why not in the combat army .
Women in the other countries are serving in their country but our country has patriarchy that women are physically unfit to serve in the army. I think we should provide the training in schools to students so they grow their interest it will also be helpful. In the future, there chances to have a battle we need more People in combat. Our country has women’s who are in weight lifting, wrestling, and won many medals. women have a very calm temperament as compare to males so they can handle difficult situations with calmness and patience. I want to request if any women want to go to the army please support and motivate them to join the army seeing it will also empower other girls too. Let’s come together and make our country win the battles by supporting both men and women.According to me, proposal A will be valid, it purely depends on the applicant’s qualification for the roles and not the gender to get into any field like politics or combat or any such thing. Many of them think women can’t be eligible or capable for this role because it may require physical capability and according to some women don’t possess it, but who said that only men can possess that quality and not women? There’s no such thing if they are given training and proper education in that field, they can also be fit for that role too.
How does it matter if the applicant is a man or a woman as long as he/she possesses the necessary qualities? It’s scientifically proven that women are more mentally tough than men and hence are better able to deal with stress. As far as physical strength is concerned, women can be very well trained. And as such in we are in the 21st century so fighting with weapons is not like the ancient times, now technology is moreover used and women are also competent in technology and are as good as men.
We should also understand that men’s in this role doesn’t mean they are superior and women are inferior, what’s more, vital is skills, qualities, mindset, talent for being in combat roles. There are examples of women officers in our army; Lt Col. Mitali Madhumita, was awarded the Sena Medal and thus becoming the only lady army officer to get a Gallantry Award for her act of valor in Kabul in 2011, Lt. General (Mrs.) Punita Arora of the Army Medical Core is the first Woman Lt. General of the Indian Army.
So, change can be brought because women also feel like doing something for the country and people in the country. There may many questions that arises when women want to opt for this role but change can be brought, it’s important for progress. We need to understand that changes can’t happen overnight but can happen slowly with each little effort and right attitude.I feel that Proposal A is the best option for women. Regardless of age and gender, both men and women should have equal opportunities, combat roles being one of them. It is true that women are seen as the weaker sex and are considered incapable of doing anything like this. But, to the women who are capable and eager to fight for their country, who are we to stop them?
The number one problem of today is the attitudes people might have of women having combat roles. They think that women can’t do the “hard things” men can in the army, although it has been shown in many cases that they can do what men can and they can do it even better. They say that they’re just looking out for the women but what they’re doing is speaking over women. If women want to be in the army, it is their choice entirely. Let them go through the selection process. We are judging people before they can even show us what they’re capable of. And that is wrong. They do not have the same standards for men. Men get injured in combat, why aren’t they considered weak?
We need to set aside our attitudes and give equal opportunities to men and women. We are basing this on the assumption that women are weaker even though we’re yet to see how capable they are. Gender equality should be present in our lives.
I acknowledge with Proposal A. In combat services, women have long history since women in the western part have served in a more diverse role. They were hired for technical work, piloting, etc. they even served in large numbers during world war and disaster management. But many countries are still far behind.
We have seen women are not considered mentally, physically, and emotionally fit for the combat services as these are the toughest and only men are capable of serving in these types of services. Both the question arises of equality. Women are as suitable as a man in these services. In Indian history, many women were fighting at the frontline such as Rani Laxmi bai, Begam Hazrat Mahal, Savitribai Phule, etc. Even in Subash Chandra Bose
Azaad Hind Fauj has more than 1000 women.
Women are experts in every field and she thinks diversely to establish victory. India has deployed women into combat service especially in Jammu and Kashmir and in the northeastern states. Today smart work matter in every field and smart work include small percent of strength and more mental abilities to do things. Even if women get into combat services she is not treated well and always everyone theirs to show her weakness. No person on this earth is weak nor strong as god made everyone equal some as hidden qualities and some people’s personalities reflect those qualities.
Punita Arora 1st Indian woman to serve in the second-highest post in the army force. Padmavathy Bandopadhyay first woman as air marshal in India. Priya Jingan first woman to serve in the Indian army and many more who always keep our country’s flag high.
Does the question arise every time why women kept behind? Are not capable of protecting themselves and their country. They have the right to choose their occupation.Women in combat roles
While working towards achieving advancement, or rather equality between men and women, one large accolade was the grant for women to join the combat roles. I strongly and fully support the first proposition here. When the services are protecting a nation of not only men, but also women, then why should women not be allowed to give their contribution in it? All women want, is to be treated equally to any other gender, with respect. In the field of defense, no one can be differentiated on the basis of gender or sexuality. This is absolutely unfair. Man, or woman, officer remains an officer, and they both render their service to the nation in a considerably equalized manner.
Nobody here is asking for admitting each and every candidate as an officer into the forces, but at least those who deserve to be there, serving the nation, in whichever way possible, should be treated fairly and not be deprived of their rights by unfair means or gender discrimination. Those female aspirants who fit in the criteria of combat roles by physical and mental strength in all it’s true sense, should be not only admitted, but also promoted once its time. On one hand, countries like North Korea and Israel have it mandatory for women to serve in the military, and on the other hand we see the media and others are seen defaming women and questioning their ability and aptitude.
It is very often that we get to hear the news of female officers in different combat roles doing things one could never expect from a woman. This is the whole beauty of it. Just because one thinks the rival nation might hold our female officers hostage and do things to them that are naturally inhumane and unacceptably unethical, it doesn’t mean we can curb somebody’s thoughts or wishes to serve one’s nation and be remembered for it. Now that woman have finally had themselves granted their rights to serve the nation and work in combat roles, we will surely see a number of them doing wonders for the nation like how we have heard of it very often. From fighting fighter pilots and doing sorties over terrorist camps or enemy bunkers, to supplying supplies in the times of need to the frontline warriors and putting their own lives in danger to save our people in times of natural calamities, women have proved to be a strong and efficient part of the combat forces, and they will always remain to be the same.
A woman myself,
Shubhangini ShaktawatI am totally in support of proposal A, not only it structures the basic rights of female to be active in combat roles but also breaking the barriers, and be able to perform according to their strength and stamina for the services without being questioned about the gender.
From the year 1993,women officers has been included in the army. At first, they were selected under the service for five years in a scheme called “ Special entry scheme”. Later on it was named as Short service commission(SSC).
The streams of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army Education Corps were given to women as permanent commission in 2008.
The government has granted permission to women for permanent commission in all ten branches a combat services holds.
Still, the regressive and backward mind-set has been the major factor of not involving women in combat roles. Also, the male officers haven’t yet digested the reality that women will be officers with them.
Our womans are ready to serve in Army with a patriotic approach just like any other male officer. We have a tremendous record of woman’s serving in combat roles abreast with their male colleagues and accomplishing the service extremely well. So, a dedicated performer should a criterion for the selection and not a gender.
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