ARmy Rumour SErvice

Originally Posted by stacker1

There is a massive difference between being in the firing line and purposely going out on an infantry patrol with the objective of finding and killing the Taliban.
I was in the firing line in KAF (from rockets) it doesn't mean I'm going to chase the Taliban around and stick a bayonet in him out in the FOB.

Exactly what the female LBdr was part of - an infantry patrol seeking out the Taliban.

It is happening, and has been happening for 2 - 3 years. The only thing the army controls is the cap badge ladies get to wear. Then they get deployed according to need for their skills.

That puts them out there with the infantry, on a regular basis.

Get over it.

You got over gays in the infantry (and every other arm), overnight, ferchrissakes.

Originally Posted by stacker1

Originally Posted by Stonker

You no longer have a choice: 3 Para Mor Pl are no longer the only ladies in the firing line.

Get over it (or get out).

There is a massive difference between being in the firing line and purposely going out on an infantry patrol with the objective of finding and killing the Taliban.
I was in the firing line in KAF (from rockets) it doesn't mean I'm going to chase the Taliban around and stick a bayonet in him out in the FOB.

Well, I guess the experience is in your avatar. For those of us not stacking, the reality is and has for some time been different. I, for instance, had a female medic who carried a Bergan second only to ECM in weight. She was half my size and patrolled in the GZ daily, being caught up in a significant number of contacts and getting a lot of rounds downrange. The only factor deciding who assaulted what was the tactical situation and, until someone was screaming, she was a bayonet and not a medic. When it did happen, however, proper hat on and at least one of my soldiers is still breathing because of her quick action. None of this is anything but routine - it happens in every company in Helmand. There are female medics, signallers, gunners, engineers - even my coy 2ic - OSPREY and ammo weigh the same and all have to fight. I served with women who could (and did) happily carry the heaviest kit. There are good reasons that women don't make up the bulk of infantry units, but women play a full role in the infantry battle and do so in style.

I got back last week, so can claim to have a reasonably current grasp of reality and, though I have always been proudly reactionary, on this issue cannot remain so.

Thank you Ex-etcetera.

The case for the defence rests.

I'll have to leave it for the infantry lads to argue over then. I have never seen any females take part as an infanteer in an infantry patrol. Maybe I need to get out more.

Originally Posted by Barb_Dwyer(twisted)

Hey Guys,

As you can probably see I have just joined today and am already after your invaluable thoughts - am being a bit cheeky and after finally deciding to get myself educated in prep for civvy street I am currently writing a paper on women in combat roles, as you are probably aware they can't join RM, paras, Inf and the like.

Did you know the EU force the MOD to review its position on this every 8 years, with a review due this year.

Anyhow over to the experts, would really appreciate your candid responses and any real-life situs you have been in on ops with females.

Looking fwd. Twisted xx

4 days on - hope you've woken up a bit.

In your shoes, I'd consider a PM to Exriviofrigido, to see if he'd care to contribute to your Uni thing - but I do not know him, and have no idea if he would care to share with you.

My point is the same as I have made since I joined this thread a few hours ago.

The feminist issue "should they . . ." is old hat.

The EU can bitch all they like - they haven't a clue

The Devil is in the driving seat - "they" already are - "they" are doing wonderfuilly and it don't look like the clock is going backwards anytime soon.

Originally Posted by mick4075

The Canadian Army has female infanteers as seen on 'Combat School' on Discovery. Admittedly, there was only one in the company filmed but she didn't seem to be having any dramas carrying the same weapon system and load or keeping up with anyone, in fact some of the toms looked like they would have a heart attack doing anything never mind out pacing a chick. As with anyone else; surely if a female can keep up and carry the same as a male, why shouldn't they be trained in the same role.
There wouldn't have to any dramatic policy changes at all, other than a level playing field i.e. Chicks do the same tests. The equipment would stay the same by definition so logistics wouldn't have to be adjusted. Its 'merely' our own perceptions and preconception of ability that would need to be changed. If the ability is there, why not?

Basic combat load of a Canadian infantry soldier is 20kg - Basic combat load of a british Infantry soldier is 35kg. As I said earlier don't compare us with other nations - our kit is heavier, we carry more of it and a larger scale of ammunition. If we are to adopt dual gender combat infantry then we will have to have a seismic change in our equipment (lighter and less) and a change in our doctrine as commanders will have a much smaller train set to play with - which by default gives the enemy an advantage.

Originally Posted by sandy_boots

Originally Posted by mick4075

The Canadian Army has female infanteers as seen on 'Combat School' on Discovery. Admittedly, there was only one in the company filmed but she didn't seem to be having any dramas carrying the same weapon system and load or keeping up with anyone, in fact some of the toms looked like they would have a heart attack doing anything never mind out pacing a chick. As with anyone else; surely if a female can keep up and carry the same as a male, why shouldn't they be trained in the same role.
There wouldn't have to any dramatic policy changes at all, other than a level playing field i.e. Chicks do the same tests. The equipment would stay the same by definition so logistics wouldn't have to be adjusted. Its 'merely' our own perceptions and preconception of ability that would need to be changed. If the ability is there, why not?

Basic combat load of a Canadian infantry soldier is 20kg - Basic combat load of a british Infantry soldier is 35kg. As I said earlier don't compare us with other nations - our kit is heavier, we carry more of it and a larger scale of ammunition. If we are to adopt dual gender combat infantry then we will have to have a seismic change in our equipment (lighter and less) and a change in our doctrine as commanders will have a much smaller train set to play with - which by default gives the enemy an advantage.

Do f#ck off. It isn't about "chicks in the infantry"

Read the thread title, then look at the world with Brit soldiers fighting in it.

Brit females are already out there, have been for some time, in the thick of it.

(without you?)

If they can physically cope with the demands of the roles, yes. But that's common sense surely.