Should women be allowed in combat

Women in Combat Does war chooses gender? Throughout the history, the role of other gender aside from men in war has been controversial. It is undeniable that women had notable historical records being in military service. However, countries that allow women in combat with active role are still very limited. In this case, are the factors considered that do not allow women in combat justified?
Physical Concern. Although there are women that have physiques seemingly suit for hard work such as a combat, their internal continents are more delicate than of men’s. To start with, the skeletal system of the women is less dense and is more prone to fracture (Journal of the American College of Nutrition Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2011). According to Center for Military Readiness, most of the female soldiers are shorter and smaller than men. Their upper body strength is less than 45-50% compared to males, and their aerobic capacity is lesser of 25-30%. (Center for Military Readiness, 2004)
Physiological Concern. It is nature to women about their menstruation that happens monthly. At this state, they are believe to be incapacitated during that period as they are prone to accidents due to their limited action. This was observed during World War II. However, there are some sectors who refute the claim with certain evidences and studies that women do perform equally even during their menstrual period. (Poulos, 1996)
Psychological Concern. Relationship could develop between a man and a woman soldiers. This projection could put the unit at risk in an actual combat. Thus, women are banned in the front-line combat situations. The fear to be in the front-line of combat might drive women to get impregnated so as to avoid being in it, which is far very critical for the combat attack plan. (Center for Military Readiness, 2004)
Female soldiers could also be objects of capturing, torture, and sexual assailment that will make the combat unit vulnerable. Males on the other hand have no record of sexual assailment but high percentage on physical abuse. Females have the highest percentage of sexual assailment in units. (Louise Slaughter, 2011)
Conclusion. With physical, physiological, and psychological concerns that are based on facts reveals that women should not be allowed in a combat. Their presence in the combat will put at risk the combat units and make them vulnerable.
References
“ Women in Combat: Frequently Asked Questions.” Center for Military Readiness. November 22, 2004. Retrieved on June 12, 2011 at http://www. cmrlink. org/WomenInCombat. asp? DocID= 237.
Stress Fractures in Female Army Recruits: Implications of Bone Density, Calcium Intake, and Exercise – Cline et al. 17 (2): 128 – Journal of the American College of Nutrition
Nassen Poulos, Paula (1996). A womans war too: U. S. women in the military in World War II. Washington, D. C.: National Archives and Records Administration.
“ Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter: Remarks on Women in Comba.” Louise Slaughter. Vote Louie. com (2010). Retrieved on June 12, 2011 at http://www. votelouise. com/news/248/remarks-on-women-in-combat