Should Women Fight on the Front Line?

Yes, of course.

A person who wishes to be assigned to combat, and fits the required norms for the activity should certainly be free to participate in the defense of her country.

I should not say only “her”. It is also imperative that we don’t lose the services of willing homosexuals who wish to honor their nation, just because of our own narrow prejudices.

Only if they want to be.

Absolutely.
I understand why they weren’t allowed to, back in the day, when there were actual battles, since women (generally speaking) lack a lot of muscle mass that guys do have.

But now, doesn’t matter how muscular you are, just point and click.

Of course, you already have to pass a “test of strength” to fight on the front lines anyway. Your stance that women should have equal opportunity to take this test is the exact same thing as saying that women should be able to fight on the front line.

Well, we’ll have to put it to practice to know how that works out. There is no point of being for or against something you know nothing about. I am all for letting women pulling their weight in combat. It would probably work. If they make it through training, why not.

@Ivan – well do they have equal opportunity to take the test? I was never aware there was a test, is it only physical or psychological as well?

Of course. Those who choose to go into combat should always be ahead of drafting the unwilling.

@rooeytoo

I was referring to basic training.

heck yah… who cares what they got between their legs…

I agree that it should depend on the individual and not the gender, and yes I believe that women should be able to serve on the front lines. That being said, I am also understanding of those who disagree. It’s often said that when at war, the only thing a soldier has is the soldier next to them. This topic always reminds me of that scene in G.I. Jane, I’m not sure of the exact wording but goes something like:
“You know, the Israeli’s tried it – women in combat….seems they couldn’t bear the sight of a woman blown open. They would linger over the wounded females, trying to save those who obviously couldn’t be saved, often to the detriment of the mission.”
I must admit that if I were in combat and saw females getting “blown open” I would be much more distraught than if it were fellow men. Is that wrong? I don’t know that’s just how I feel. I’m all about equality, and if a woman chooses to enter front line combat, she should be able to.

@Ansible1 it’s not ‘wrong’ that you feel that way but it is a socialized response and bringing women to the front lines as well as teaching all our children the value of human lives, no matter the gender are ways to change socialization

Lurve to everyone for your answers and it is good to hear that most are in favor of equality in all arenas.

Add my vote to the ayes. Anyone who makes it through basic training out to be fit for battle.

If a woman wants to then she should be allowed to.

Surviving on the front line requires intelligence above all, so women fully qualify.