Women in combat - updated 1-29-13

I'll throw in my two cents worth regarding the Department of Defense policy decision to open all Military Occupational Specialties to women.  As discussed by a variety of pundits, self-appointed experts, news show talking heads, bloggers, and just about everyone else, this decision could result in women being assigned to the infantry, where the ugliest form of warfare is fought.

Many of those compelled to celebrate the decision have absolutely no training or background upon which to base their celebration.  Watching and listening to the so-called commentators, we must recognize that with rare (if any exceptions) they never served in the military, let alone in the infantry.  They are not celebrating a wise decision made on the basis of national security.  They are celebrating an exceptionally unwise politically motivated decision seen to further someone's views on gender equality.

U.S. Marine Corps Captain Katie Petronio, a veteran of ground combat from the current war, has the combat experience from which to offer her view that this would be a bad decision.  Read about it here.  http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/07/12/12684555-women-in-the-infantry-forget-about-it-says-female-marine-officer?lite   

Another individual with the experience and background necessary to accurately comment about the ramifications of this decision is deceased General Robert Barrow, former Commandant of the Marine Corps.  His comments, made years ago to the Senate Armed Services Committee, are salient and to the point. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy--whDNNKk

Bottom line.  The military is not a social science laboratory with which to be tinkered by political appointees for political purpose and gain.  And most certainly, the infantry is not a profession to be irreparably damaged by such tinkering. 

UPDATE:

One newspaper article exclaimed a poll shows most Americans support women in combat.  With roughly 1% of the country serving in the military, it amazes me why anyone would assume they are knowledgeable enough about military life to intelligently offer an opinion about the rigors of ground combat?  It is no different than a poll declaring the majority of Americans support one specific neurosurgical procedure.  We wouldn't know what we are talking about.