Today being in the American military is a voluntary thing. The military system (all branches) wants people to volunteer because they have jobs that need to be done. It makes sense that they would want to "hire" the most qualified person they can get for each job regardless of what sex they may be. By allowing females to join the military they are essentially doubling the pool of potential applicants.
While there is a baseline physical (and mental) fitness requirement just to join the military, there are more demanding physical requirements for some jobs than others, just like in civilian life.
I believe that it should not matter if a person is male or female. If a person voluntarily joins the military, it is assumed that they have done so with their eyes open and they understand the requirements and the potential consequences of that choice. Once in the military, each person can strive for whatever career field they desire, which is hopefully one they are also suited for, both mentally and physically.
People tend to gravitate to positions that they desire, or in some cases, which they are really good at. Some want to be in physically and/or mentally demanding jobs. Others prefer a less challenging position because they may not be as physically capable as others. People are different. Some have more focus and drive than others. There are many different jobs in the military.
The job requirements for a specific career field should be the same for everyone, male or female. If a person cannot meet those requirements, either physically or mentally, then they should not be put in that position. Conversely, if a person can meet the requirements, then they should be allowed to do that job just like anyone else.
JohnnyMac has a point when he writes about males catering to female physical fitness shortcomings in some situations. It happens everywhere at times, not just in the military. Look at the civilian law enforcement and fire fighting career fields. But, it should not be allowed to happen in the military. If a person, male or female cannot perform to the requirements for the job, they should be disqualified and reassigned. Instead, today's military allows itself to cater to special interests. They sometimes forget that just because someone wants a particular job does not mean they are capable of doing it.
I think it boils down to individual capability. If a person wants it and can do the job, they should be allowed the opportunity to do so. If they can't do the job, then they should be moved to another job/position they are more suited for, regardless of their sex.
There are two sides to this topic. One is capability; the other seems to be culture. Americans need to stop catering to the idea that females are fragile and allow them to pass or fail upon their individual capabilities. If they want a military career and everything that goes with it, then let them apply.
"A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including my life'."
