You go girls!
35
Nice to read and all, but I am still of the belief that it is best not to fight with anyone. Flight not fight works best as a defense system.
8
Beautiful. The last photo and its description moved me to tears and a smile. I love the determination of all involved.
32
For centuries women have had to do manual labor while pregnant or after giving birth, not to mention how grueling pregnancy and childbirth are all on their own. I've never met a man yet who could deal with that kind of pain, discomfort and fatigue.
Women have always been tough, they had to be. These women are just demonstrating that toughness in a way we haven't seen before. I wish them every success.
Women have always been tough, they had to be. These women are just demonstrating that toughness in a way we haven't seen before. I wish them every success.
118
There is a difference between "seeking to play down the significance of this event" and recognizing the importance of treating these women - who have earned their places according to universally applied standards - as soldiers.
Yes, the event has historical significance for the observing civilians, but the fact that their baptism was without fanfare or exception made it significant for the army. In the field, these women will not be special...which is precisely what makes them special.
Yes, the event has historical significance for the observing civilians, but the fact that their baptism was without fanfare or exception made it significant for the army. In the field, these women will not be special...which is precisely what makes them special.
53
While I applaud the goal of the Army in this article, I continue to worry that our political class is becoming or is already too reliant on hard power to solve our international problems. Our history of using hard power to solve international problems---from Vietnam to Iraq---has not been a good one---all ended poorly because we were thick on hard power and thin on soft power.
24
Major change sometimes happens and no one really notices. While I am suspicious about the military overall I do definitely recognize that it has at times been one of the most influential institutions to advance social change in America society e.g. racial integration. I am glad I got to see this in my life time and I hope after these first female infantry solders have completed their time serving just like everyone else that they are recognized for the bravery and determination it took to be the first ones.
26
Awesome story! Really cool to see women take these historic roles and be allowed to serve our country in any manner they wish. Great photos too! When one gets depressed about how reactionary the body politic has become lately, it is refreshing to see there is still inspiring change taking place! hurrah!
37
I wish joining the ranks of male oppression weren't seen as a step forward for women. Women, empowered, can be truly revolutionary. That would include creating societies that aren't dependent on war machines for survival. Societies in which women and girls matter, are educated, free to work, teach, counsel, cure and care for others, have a hand in shaping new, human-centered policies, *that* is revolutionary.
19
This is a wonderful story. These are strong and admirable women. Happy Memorial Day to all, let us honor those who have served and serve us now, regardless of their gender.
45
"Rain pounded the roughly 150 troops of Alpha Company, who ranged in age from 17 to 34".
34 is a little old to begin an infantry career for either men or women. They might still cut it at 34, but how many years do they have left before they lose their edge?
34 is a little old to begin an infantry career for either men or women. They might still cut it at 34, but how many years do they have left before they lose their edge?
12
so sad to see the other side of humanity killing to
4
Very proud of these young women. Thank you for giving this the coverage it richly deserves. With all the chaos we are experiencing in this different world, this is refreshing.
16
This is Obama's homage to politically correct gender politics in every nook of our society, including the military. This who deny men and women are different genetically, physically, psychologically and socially are living lives in their own little safe spaces. Are their a few women out of 100 million physically qualified to be combat soldiers? Sure. Congrats are your accomplishment. But now we have men fighting beside men and women and that dynamic will be harmful to the espritdecorps of any unit. Men naturally will be inclined to protect the woman over the man in dangerous combat. And those who disagree are in denial. It is the order of nature. The pencil pushers at the NYT's celebrate this "achievement" but it is a staged Obama event made to prop him up as the great equalizer. Sorry. America got commander in chief who was a community organizer. This is his "legacy."
27
Give me a break! Other countries have merged men and women into battlefield roles for some time. Israel, Australia, Germany, Norway, Finland, New Zealand and Canada to name a few. Your argument is dated and lacks credibility.
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