Women In Combat The Conclusion

February 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Part 3. Me and Mine
Part 2 discussed whether equality should equate to a single standard.  In this piece I want to share my position.  Many people have made reference to a false equivalence where black soldiers were not considered equal to white soldiers during the forming of our modern military.  That black soldiers could not perform the same as white soldiers was a perception not rooted in science but in racial prejudice.  The color of skin does not equate to the anatomical limitation of women serving in some Combat jobs.  Scientifically, women are physically less developed than men, and our belief that women cannot be in the Infantry is rooted in sexual bias.  Attacking the problem from a scientific position allows us to draw a decision based on rational thinking despite our emotion prejudices. 

There are more examples and I’ve asked a lot of questions that I’ve asked you to consider.  My position is as follows:
- Can women serve in Combat roles?  Yes, because they already do.
- Can women serve in the Infantry?  Yes, we can place anyone anywhere but we must understand that to do so will mean we have to accept the pain and horror that will come with the decades long transition; claims of unfairness, increased sexual assaults, psychology of women wounded in battle (a path we’re already moving down), the stigma that most women do not measure up, and the increase in frequency and severity of female injuries. 
- Should we place women in the Infantry?  I don’t know.  In time we could morph our military into a ‘Starship Trooper’ paradigm where men and women are in the Infantry, sharing the same showers and it’s no big deal but we’re not there yet. 
- Do ‘I’ want women in the Infantry?  Unequivocally ‘NO’.  I was raised mostly by my single mother.  I grew up feeling the responsibility and burden of having to be the man in the house and protect my mother.  As a male chauvinist, I would never want to put a woman in the Infantry.  Let’s not be politically correct, Infantrymen are specifically trained to do nothing but kill.  Even under the umbrella of protecting, we focus our defensive plans around repelling enemy actions.  The mission of the Marine Corps Infantry is ‘To locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver and repel the enemies’ assault through fire and close combat’.  We have but one purpose.

In closing, I would open up to you and say that I have 3 daughters.  I will teach them to be strong, to know their strengths and improve on their weaknesses.  To demand respect and give respect when and where it is earned. If they ask me if they should join the Infantry I will relay to them all that I have shared with you before telling them ‘we all have a purpose and responsibility in life.  Most people never learn what their purpose is and very few want to take responsibility.  A trained, full time, killer is not what I want my daughters to become.  Haven’t women shouldered the burden of men’s lack of responsibility and failures long enough? It’s your life.  Just know you are going down a path filled with pain, misery, stress, and danger from friends and enemies like you’ve never known.  I’ve taught you to be strong but you’re far stronger than you know.  No matter what you decide just know that God and I are always with you.  Daddy loves you so go kick some @$$.’

 

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Eddie Wheeler is a Major in the United States Marine Corps, who enjoys sports and spending time with his family.

 

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Women In Combat II

January 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Part 2 ~ Does Equality Mean One Standard.
In Part 1 I wondered if filling combat jobs is really what women wanted.  In Part 2 I am of the mindset that this conversation is not adequately framed to provide the appropriate discussion on the subject.  The question is not whether women should be allowed to serve in Combat jobs because when Combat comes calling either you get your @$$ to work and fight or you run or you die.  To me the question is whether women should be allowed to serve in the Infantry or Infantry related jobs.  I say ‘No’ until someone can practically explain to me how we implement this decision.  I’m over 6 feet tall and weigh approximately 225 pounds.  Over my career I’ve been at the top or near the top of all physical fitness requirements the Marine Corps demanded of me.  I’ve served in the Infantry and I can tell you there were a lot of men that could not handle the job; and yet they had no option.  I accept and believe the premise that there are a few women that can handle the job.  The issue is whether this is what’s best for the military.  How do a handful of women, in a group of a thousand men handle themselves, and how do the services treat them?  What are the negative impacts brought about by taking this action?  Have women’s demand for equality outpaced practicality?  War actually has only one standard, and if you say there will be only one standard for service members, then you must remove the Gender adjustments applied to physical training.  Using the current ‘male’ standard would most assuredly mean, in my opinion, almost 90% of women might fail physical fitness requirements for most Infantry type jobs.  So what do we do?  Raise the current physical standard for women or drop the current standard for men?  Do we set women up for physical and career failure or degrade the Infantry’s combat effectiveness by lessening the requirements.  In either scenario War and Combat do not care because they have only one standard.  Remember, some men cannot keep this standard and we have been bred since the beginning of time to go to war.

Another point to address is how do we assign women to these jobs?  Everyone keeps saying a woman should be allowed to enter if they want to.  A lot of men don’t want to go into the Infantry but the service forces them to.  Do we apply the same standard to women?  If we say ‘yes’ then I would surmise we should expect a huge increase in claims from both sexes of unfair treatment by women who were ‘forced’ to serve in the Infantry.  What we currently do with Infantrymen who aren’t performing is training them harder.  So, now we’ve increased the rate of injuries; bone fractures, muscles tears, back problems, estrogen and fertility concerns.  Is the Service (society) going to tell women they are being assigned to the Infantry and may run the risk of having fertility complications?  Keeping a military ‘Can Do’ attitude, I say we can do that but when a woman says ‘I’d like to have children someday so I’d like to go into another job’ how do we respond. Should it not be with the one standard and an ‘oh well, suck it up.  You’re in the Infantry now girl!’  That’s what we might do and say to a man so why not same to a woman.  Remember, equality at all cost.  War is not for the weak.

 

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Eddie Wheeler is a Major in the United States Marine Corps, who enjoys sports and spending time with his family.

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Women In Combat

January 28, 2013 by 10 Comments

Today we have a guest blogger who is an Officer in the United States Marine Corps.   This is part one of a three part series on his view about women in combat.

 

Source: tv.msnbc.com

 

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you. One of the latest hot topics is should women be placed in combat jobs. I would like to address my thoughts in a 3 part series where I hope to guide you down the path of my thoughts and experiences.

Part 1 ~ Is This Really What You Want.

Let me set the context of my argument by saying I am a man who has served in the United States Marine Corps since 1990. I have served in the Infantry during my Enlisted (rank) years before receiving my commission as an Officer.

In my lifetime I have been close enough to have been touched by the Vietnam War and deployed repeatedly to Iraq in our recent War on terror. Through time, experience, education and, what I consider, spiritual enlightenment, I’ve come to my present position regarding ‘Women Serving In Combat roles’.

During my generation of war (Iraq/Afghanistan) women have always served in combat.  The jobs involving logistics (transportation, supply, support, etc) have historically been filled by women.  Being placed in this job field often means women run the repeated risk of being ambushed during vehicle convoys and on military bases where we believe we are safest.  A question was once posed as to whether women could/should be fighter pilots and for years the ‘good ole males’ said ‘No’ mainly because we wanted to maintain the status quo and keep this gloried job to ourselves.  Time and education demonstrated women could perform equally to the task of flying whether it be cargo, support or attack aircraft.  The inclusion of women busted this myth and we now reap the fruits of our enlightenment.  So I think one question could be should women serve on the Front Line?  The ‘Front Line’ has changed over the years as combat has transitioned from symmetrical to asymmetrical.  No longer do we sit on one side of the street and attack the enemy on the other side.  In today’s warfare the Front Lines are all around us so being way behind the front line, where women have historically served, is a matter of perspective.  The ‘rear area’ can mean you simply reside in the heart of the combat zone because the Front Line is all around you.  Nurses, cooks, mechanics, military police, even clerks can find themselves in a combat situation at a moment’s notice.  The Marine Corps standard is ‘Every Marine a Rifle’ speaks to our mindset that at any moment we (male and female) can be called into action to serve on some front line; be it to retrieve a fallen comrade on the field of battle or defending your compound or Forward Operating Base.  Every female Marine must be prepared to stand up and take charge during the chaos of war.  For you see, the Gods of War and Combat knows no gender; nor do they care.  As a society have we grown weak when it comes to waging war?  Let us not forget that combat is savage, brutal and a Combatant’s sole purpose is to “kill” the enemy in the most efficient manner that will allow him(her) to move on to the next objective.  Sometimes efficiency comes in the form of a missile or rocket, bombs and bullets. And sometimes it comes in the savagery spawned from thrusting a knife into the body of your enemy or strangling him ‘or her’ until life no long exists.  To truly move forward in this conversation we must face ourselves in the mirror.  Is this what women are saying they want?

 

 

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Eddie Wheeler is a Major in the United States Marine Corps, who enjoys sports and spending time with his family.

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Women and Road Safety

October 8, 2012 by 12 Comments

 

My current contract that I’m working involves customer service for the roadside assistance company.  We are not allowed to say the name but it’s the first letter of the alphabet (wink).  We take calls for members that need assistance because they need a tow, tire change, gas or locked their keys in the vehicle.  I felt compelled to write about this because I’m surprised at the number of women (and some men) that don’t pay attention to their surroundings when they are driving.  They break down on the freeway/highway, and some on city streets and have no idea where they are, what kind of vehicle they are driving and where their membership card is.  It’s frustrating I understand when you break down, but we must do better when we are on the road, especially with children.  We have to collect the information from them and they aren’t able to provide it, and we have to explain that we can’t send service if you don’t know where you are.  People think it’s easy, just send a tow truck, but the majority of the reps people talk to aren’t local, so we have to probe and ask questions to make sure no one is left stranded.

Here’s a few tips for you to help if you break down on the road.  If you have children that can read, have them play a game with mile markers, road signs, and landmarks to help you all keep up with where you are.  They will play and it will help with boredom and the constant “are we there yet” comments.  Now, if they have some type of electronic device attached to their head, then you may be in trouble.  If you are driving through a state that has a lot of country roads and you are down to a half tank of gas….please, please, please don’t wait until you are in the middle of no where to decide you need gas.  Fill up in the last town even if they are price gouging and report them later.   Here’s a big one, put your membership number in your cell phone or keep it in your car, if you are someone that can’t keep up with it.   I’ve been a member for many years and I keep my card in my wallet.  My husband is the one that wouldn’t be able to find his card and would call me.   

You never know when you’ll need to use your membership, so keep your dues paid.  Nothing worse than a member calling in who let their membership expire and get mad because we can’t send service and they have to go commercial.  You don’t want to go commercial, we know how those tow companies charge.  Ladies, please know enough about your car to tell us what you have…year, make, model, if it’s a 4 wheel drive, etc.  Keep it in the vehicle for reference.  I know that you don’t think about stuff like that until you need it, but you will need it trust me.  I know my info, and we keep all our info in the glove box just in case.  

One other issue I would like to mention is that we should check on our parents and older family members that still drive.  It’s hard when they break down and sometimes they are pretty nervous.  Most of the time, they need jumpstarts, so making sure their battery is charged and they don’t leave interior lights on will be very helpful for them.   My suggestion for all is to have your vehicle winterized  for the upcoming season.  These are just a few things I’ve noticed and I would hate to see you all get stranded, but if you need roadside assistance, be prepared to give the person you are speaking with your info so they can get help to you ASAP.

 

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Lingerie Football League

June 1, 2012 by 6 Comments

 

I really enjoy blogging.  I’m getting better with researching and finding things to blog about that has some interest to women of a certain age.  Which means I look at everything that comes on the news, Internet, social media including but not limited to everything pop culture.    The Lingerie Football League has announced it’s expansion team for Omaha, NE and St Charles, MO which is a suburb of St Louis.  It’s been all over the news here, not all of it good either.  I love football, I’m a Kansas City Chiefs fan.  I’ve never seen the ladies of the Lingerie Football League play but I included a video for your viewing pleasure.  This is what has me shaking my head at the league….

Theses women are no longer paid to play football.  The founder of the league, Mitch Mortaza doesn’t pay the players.  He changed it from a professional league with the players getting a cut of the revenue to an amateur organization and they have to pay for their own health insurance.  He admits that his target is mostly beer drinking college students.  They are not allowed to comment on personal matters, which caused most of the Toronto Triumph to quit in October 2011 in protest.  I also don’t understand other than the women enjoying the game and wanting the opportunity to bring attention to football for women, but because their bodies take some serious abuse playing in lingerie.  This is what I mean about us supporting one another and not buying into gimmicks and concepts that make us look like we’ll go for anything.  They aren’t getting paid, why ladies?  Football is a full contact sport, you may not hit as hard as men, but our bodies aren’t built like theirs either.  You have shoulder, elbow and knee pads but nothing to protect your breast but a bra?   No pads for the rest of your body?  This wouldn’t be an issue if women would just say, NO to things that are made to exploit us!  I’m not gonna let you capitalize and make millions of dollars from me running up and down a football field in lingerie.  I could almost understand if they were getting a salary.  This is not about hate, it’s about how this man is getting paid to promote the sport using beautiful women in lingerie and not paying them at all.  

I understand once our children are adults, they do what they want….I get that.  I just don’t want to see corporations and people take advantage of women and people less fortunate than them.  It’s our job as mature women to encourage and lift our young sistahs, whether they are our daughters, friends, church members or co-workers.  Our bodies aren’t made to take that kind of abuse without protection.  I would just like to see the same protection, concern and some kind of salary that the NFL gives their players.  Sometimes you have to rant, and I just couldn’t let this one go without giving my opinion on the subject.  Tell me what you think…and encourage a young woman today please.

 

 



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Encouragement and a Smile…

April 30, 2012 by 5 Comments

 

 

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.  Do you know why you are on this earth and what you should be doing?  I finally understand what my purpose is in this world.  As a Christian, I am suppose to share the gospel and encourage people to give their life to Christ.  I believe that and I do my part to share the gospel.  Women contribute a great deal of wealth, information, education and support to our society, families and careers, but we are not so good when it comes to nurturing our relationships with one another.  

The last week or so I have participated in online conversations about women and our relationships with one another and ways we can heal.  I know we can do it because of all the wonderful women I have met online since I started blogging almost 5 months ago.  I don’t have all the answers, but I know that it is my responsibility to be supportive, loving, and have something positive that will help at least one woman heal.  If that happens, then I’ve done my job and will receive favor in God’s eyes.  I have to remain humble while I share with you all, but I would love to see women heal to the point that our relationships with one another will not be an issue anymore.  If we could just work on current relationships that are damaged, or reconnect with someone from our past, we are doing our part.  

I’m not saying that we all have to be BFF’s, only a few people make that category if any.   Trust me, I know there are some relationships we can’t fix or heal.   In those situations, let’s do what I always say, forgive them and/or the situation and keep it moving.  I’m simply suggesting that we try being more courteous with one another, smile at each other and just say something that will make another person’s day.  You never know, you may just be that ray of hope a person needs to turn their life around.  We are nurturers, we love our families, give our husbands and children our all until there is nothing left to give to ourselves (I stopped doing that one).  I make time for myself now, and I’m a happier woman because of it.   When we are out in our social circles, let’s think about the woman that seems a little uncomfortable because no one is talking to her.  You don’t know what is going on in her life, but reaching out to her will let her know that you cared enough to approach her.  That one greeting may resonate with her for years to come.

I did a little shopping today and put my suggestions to test.  I saw one woman in the grocery store who was 62 years young, and she looked marvelous!  She had on some white cropped jeans, a bright pink blouse and some striped, cork heeled wedge shoes, with a bright pink purse!  Her hair was white, cut short and she had on some rocking glasses!  I told her how wonderful she looked, and she told me that I made her day and she refuses to be an old grandma!  She also told me she has 6 grown children and 10 grandchildren.  I wanted to take her picture so bad, but didn’t want to scare her away!  I did tell her I was going to write about her in my blog.   I also saw a woman who had on some nice jewelry, and I complimented her on it, and I’m going by her store this week!  See what happens when you take a moment to speak to someone?  Every woman I made eye contact with I spoke to, and all with a positive reaction. 

Maybe I’m encouraging you in some way, if so then take that encouragement and run with it.  I just want to see women have better relationships with one another.  What we see on TV has gotten out of control.  My purpose is to spread stories that uplift, encourage, make you laugh and think.  Some stories will be about me, my family, other people and situations.  That is my purpose, part of my journey.  I love music, and I think this video is perfect.  Have a good week, and smile at someone!  Take care!

 


 



 

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Random Thoughts….

April 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment

We were on our way to church yesterday morning, and I was in the mirror doing the last minute check on my makeup and hair.  It was there, the mustache!  I noticed it when I was putting on my makeup but I ignored it because it was getting late and we needed to go.  That little mirror in the car with the light, that sucker helped me to see it real clear, with my glasses of course.  I can’t believe with everything else associated with menopause, that I have to worry about facial hair now!  It was enough that I had to borrow the Mr’s shaving equipment to get rid of it.   The funny thing is, I’m not taking any hormones!  Can you imagine what I would have if I was taking hormones.  You know the Mr got a chuckle out of it, let me say it the way it happened…he was cracking up.  I looked at him like it wasn’t that funny.  I’m surprised he didn’t call me the Bearded Lady.  He knew better than that one.

My oldest daughter wants a job, but she hates taking direction and instruction at home…

My youngest daughter plays outside and rides her bike everyday….I wish I had her energy.

I want t help women build better relationships with one another.  I will do my part to encourage, motive and lift any woman I encounter.  

I took a step today that I’m very proud of.  I will share it with you in a few weeks.  NO FEAR!  I have allowed fear to hold me back, but not anymore.  I’m more confident now than I’ve ever been.  I want this not just for me, but for my daughters as well.

I love my life…

 


   

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