Anonymous Senior Defense Official (Gutless Leaker)

"This policy change will initiate a process whereby the services will develop plans to implement this decision, which was made by the secretary of defense upon the recommendation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff."

- The "policy change" is allowing women in combat roles in the U.S. military.

I served with women in the Air Force, and many were fine airmen.  But I'm not going to lie, I don't know a single male I served with who wasn't bothered by the fact the women had easier physical standards, and weren't required to be as combat ready as we were...It sure as hell bothered me.

These are the two problems.

1.  I have no problem with women in the military if they can meet the same physical standards as their male counterparts - please tell me we aren't going to lessen the standards for the men.

2.  I have no problem with women in the military as long as they have the same expectations of being combat ready, effective and placeable as their male counterparts - 100% the same!

Women in the military shouldn't have the 'option' of fighting alongside their male peers, they should have an obligation to do so - from the safest stateside base, to the most dangerous reconnaissance and forward fighting units.

We only have 1.4 million active duty troops, and 14% of these are women.  We can't afford for such a large portion of our troops to be anything less than ready, willing and able to do perform whatever role they are called on to perform...Either that or they should get out.  That goes for the males, as well, by the way.