There are a lot of things to say on this topic, so this is a follow-up to yesterday’s post on women in combat. This post is oriented toward the practical aspects of integrating women into all male combat arms units. There is support here for an alternative arrangement of inserting all female combat arms teams to enhance combat operations. This idea has already worked for the Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Some might perceive my opposition to integrating all male units as anti-woman, but I see it more as pro-man. My position is this: Integrating women into male combat arms units should not pursued because it will cause unnecessary and irreparable harm to unit cohesion.

Let me further clarify. Women should be allowed to do any dirty, brutal job they want to do, but all male units in combat arms should remain all male. This exploits the strengths of men. Perhaps female only units can be created, or specific co-ed units could be formed (this is how Israel integrates its women into combat arms – it’s called the Caracal Battalion. The Marines could also bring back the all female Lioness units used in Iraq to great success. Below see excellent use of the Marine Corps’ Female Engagement Teams).

Now, we must accept the current state of affairs. There is no more prohibition on women entering combat arms. In order to carry out this idea with a commitment to equality (which is why we are doing this right?), what should happen?