With the Global War on Terrorism, numerous low intensity conflicts and the increasing reliance on military response to natural disasters, the Canadian and American militaries consistently answer the call to serve their nation and others. Today every troop is asked to work harder and smarter. In a climate where the operational tempo is extremely high, imagine if our governments were to suddenly direct all women in the military to stand down from service and resign from the military.

In the United States, that would mean the loss of approximately 215,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, or 15% of our active duty service members. The Canadian forces would be cut by approximately 12%. In an era where troop commitments are at an all time high, this hypothetical clearing of women from the ranks seems absurd, right? Or does it?

Throughout history, many have argued that women should not serve in the military. Many claim that women should not serve in combat, especially not on the front lines. Yet when you examine history, women have played an integral role in all of America’s military conflicts and have contributed to Canadian military efforts for more than 100 years. While their service historically has centered around more traditional roles such as nursing or administrative support, those past accomplishments set a precedent that has allowed access to more diverse occupations today.

In today’s operational environment, it is almost impossible to distinguish where the front lines end and rear area support begins. We live in a time of asym metrical warfare where weapons of choice include improvised explosive devices, suicide bombers and other acts of terrorism.

In Canada, women have the opportunity to serve in any military occupation and in any environment. In the U.S., however, laws preventing full gender integration have restricted women from select combat arms positions. Women are able to be fighter pilots, ship captains and military police officers, but they cannot serve in ground combat units. Without debating America’s military exclusion of women from ground combat roles, one can still conclude that women make our militaries stronger and better.

If the United States and Canada are to maintain capable and powerful militaries, women’s roles within the services must continue to expand. Having women contribute to our armed forces is not an issue of equal rights; it’s an issue of effectiveness – in today’s ever-evolving world, where international conflicts stretch militaries thin, women are needed more than ever. Diversity of thought and inclusive environments create highly competitive, capable teams.

It is important to note that women can greatly influence the strength of the military beyond their actual service. In the past year, the US military has faced recruiting shortages. Many recruiters feel these shortages can be attributed in part to the lack of parental support (especially by mothers) for a military career. Our countries need women who understand the importance of a strong defense and appreciate the honor and duty of military service.

Future debates concerning the role of women in the Canadian and U.S. militaries should not revolve around exchanges over strength differences between genders, how a unit’s cohesiveness is impacted by the presence of women, or whether or not women can withstand the harsh living conditions of an overseas deployment. Instead, the focus on the future of women in the military should be on improving the combat capabilities of the total force. Modern technology heavily influences the way war is waged and technological advances need to be operated and implemented by the most capable, talented people – men or women.

The Canadian military has done an excellent job of implementing consistent eligibility requirements for each military occupational specialty, resulting in a military where one’s performance and preference determine what role they fill.

The future for women in the military will continue to progress if our nations’ leaders value the contribution of women service members, past and present, and continuously integrate women within the total forces structure in ways that capital ize on individual talents and capabilities.
Ultimately, our respective militaries will be at their strongest, and most prepared for the numerous missions they are called upon to accomplish, when the most capable person, regardless of gender, fills each and every diverse occupational specialty our militaries require. Our societies will also be stronger when all citizens support our young men and women who choose to serve honorably in the armed forces.

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Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch, former US Marine Officers, have authored a new book on leadership tactics for women.
©  Frontline Defence 2006