“If we’re going to have the EO program, we might as well live it to the fullest. “That’s why we have EO (Equal Opportunity program),” McTyre said. John McTyre from the 2nd Military Intelligence Battalion in Wiesbaden said he thinks allowing women in combat would be a step forward for the military. They are a liability in some situations.”īut Spc. “It would be more distraction and it’s a matter of being able to handle all situations. David Brown with the Wiesbaden, Germany-based 1st Armored Division’s Special Troops Battalion said allowing women in combat roles would diminish camaraderie in some units. Josh Bernethy was against the idea because, he said, “A man’s going to react differently if a woman dies than if a man dies.” “Living close like this,” Harpster said, “I just don’t think it’d be a good idea.” Juarez Morgan, with the Third Civil Affairs Group at Jaker, had few reservations.
“There’d definitely have to be some type of trial period to see how it goes.”
“There’d be a drastic adjustment that would have to be done,” Cedeno said. Now in an infantry unit where no females have served, he said he also sees potential problems in integrating women. “The females - they’re absolutely warriors.” He said he’d served in communication units with women, and he acknowledged that those with the Marine’s Female Engagement Teams that interact with Afghan women are already on the front lines when attached to infantry units.
Michael Cedeno of Company G, 2nd Battalion, Third Marines, was himself conflicted about the proposal. Women are now restricted to serving in combat support roles.Īt Patrol Base Jaker, 1st Sgt. The recommendation, if eventually approved by military officials, would open front-line posts to military women for the first time.