Gender roles and how they play a part in society is becoming a very pressing issue. The controversy of whether or not women should be fighting in the armed forces is one of constant debate. A woman can be just as qualified as a man to fight, yet, they are withheld from certain positions in the armed forces solely because of their gender. Not only is it unfair to limit the potential of women in the armed forces, but it is also going against the beliefs and rights of those who wish to serve their country.
“Women have long chafed under the combat restrictions and have increasingly pressured the Pentagon to catch up to the reality on the battlefield.” The reality is that although women are restricted from many positions in combat, over 20,000 women have served. So, why not end this rule against women and let everyone fight for the country that they love? By opening up these positions to women, over 300,000 jobs would be given in the Army, Marine Corps, and all other units. By placing this ban on women, it is really doing more harm than good.
This issue, though, may soon be coming to an end. “Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta is lifting the military’s ban in combat, which will open up hundreds of thousands of additional front-line jobs to them.” It has finally come to the attention of those in the armed forces that women are an asset rather than a liability. A three year transition period was set up in January of 2013 to begin to allow women into Army schools to get the proper training they need.
Although people may think that women are far less qualified to fight in war and combat, many women are just as capable participate in these forces as men, and more people are coming to this realization. The gender ban being removed is just the start to end gender specifications in all units of workforces. It is time for any person who is qualified- whether male or female- to be able to serve in the armed forces alongside each other.