Abstract In this essay, the writer looks at the issue of women serving in military combat units. The writer discusses that a glance at American history shows that on the whole the idea of women serving overseas in combat zones was not a generally approved of notion. The writer points out, however, that women have served successfully in combat units in recent conflicts.
From the Paper "For most of American history, the idea of women serving overseas in combat zones had been rejected nearly unanimously by the American public and the American military. Men didn't think women should fight, and most women were in agreement, due to inherently conservative social and moral views on the role of women in society. Historically, the appropriateness and wisdom of women serving in combat has been an issue of considerable controversy for many years, but they have served with great distinction in recent conflicts, and support for unrestricted roles for women in combat units is increasing."
Abstract This paper explains that, when women first entered the American military, they were not intended to play a role in combat but rather to be behind the scenes in non-combat oriented roles, such as purchasing. The author stresses that women in combat in the Iraq war has blurred gender lines and forever changed the face of the American military. The paper states that feminists and supporters of women's rights hail women in combat roles as a necessary step in gaining full equality for women. However, as the paper relates, the research indicates that women in combat in the United States military are still a contentious issue.
From the Paper "One situation that might allow women in combat is the formation of all-women units. In these units, many of the criticisms of women in combat could be alleviated. For example, a woman would probably be able to lift or carry another woman to safety, and they would not face harassment or sexual situations from male soldiers in an all-female unit. In addition, an all-female unit would tend to be more understanding about monthly menstruation and other female health issues, which would effectively negate many of the issues that opponents of women in combat often cite."
Tags: nurses ban equality mensuration, physical strength
This paper debates whether or not the U.S. military should allow women into all combat units. Includes extensive background information and current statistics/studies.
Abstract This paper asks if women in the United States military should be allowed to fight in combat, because they are equally as capable as men. The paper argues that allowing women in combat would increase the military's soldier supply. It also examines the current Exclusion Laws which claim that it is financially beneficial to the military for women to be kept out of combat. Other arguments are that women are not physically equal to men; and integration of combat units would be distracting and dangerous. It explores what would be the social, political and economic effects if women were allow in combat units.
A. Background
B. Social Analysis
C. Economic Analysis
D. Public Policy Analysis
E. Policy Recommendation
F. Conclusion
From the Paper "Since its victory in the American Revolution, in 1783, the United States of America has continued to fight in wars both domestic and abroad. While women were not legally considered soldiers until recently, American women have always been present on the battlefield. While many served in non-combat roles, many fought right in the trenches, even if it meant disguising themselves as men."
Tags: policy, states, united, discrimination, exclusion, laws
Abstract This paper explains that the legal standard applied by the courts in deciding whether the Army's combat exclusion violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution is the Intermediate Scrutiny Standard, which the Supreme Court used in "Craig v. Boren" as the test for deciding discrimination based on gender. The author believes that the Army should repeal its combat exclusion rule and allow qualified women, who have gone through extensive ground combat training and have passed the physical and mental tests, to join direct ground combat troops. The paper relates that, although there are many cases supporting women's equality in the Army, "Rostker v. Goldberg" supports the Army in exercising its rights under Congress, which may be seen as its only legal argument.
From the Paper "'Women In The Armed Forces", a study which was conducted to get a better understanding of the impact of employing women in the most demanding close combat roles, found that "differences between women and men in their capacity to develop muscle strength and aerobic fitness are such that only approximately one percent of women can equal the performance of the average man"[1]. The study also reported that in that finding, lifting and such tasks as carrying on average women would have to work fifty to eighty percent harder to achieve the same results, and that this puts them at greater risk [1]. In load marching, which are another fundamental task, and other simulated combat tasks, women were found to perform worse than men and the greater the load, the greater the discrepancy. The physiological aspect of the study concluded that, "about 0.1% of female applicants and 1% of trained female soldiers would reach the required standards to meet the demands of these roles"[1]."
Abstract This paper explains that aviation was only eleven years old when war broke out in 1914, but the obvious military potential of aircraft inspired a tremendous acceleration in aviation technology during the next four years. The author points out that the concept of combat air support, specifically coordinating offensive tactical air power with ground force operations, remained virtually non-existent until 1939 when the Nazis introduced the world to an even more frightening new form of warfare, which they called 'blitzkrieg'. The paper relates that, by the Gulf War in 1991, the AH-64 Apache helicopter gunship with its computer controlled, multiple target tracking systems and night vision capabilities rounded out the modern close air support and ground attack capabilities of the American military.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Military Aviation
The Luftwaffe Introduces Tactical Combat Close Air Support
The Evolution of Tactical Combat Air Support
Modern Combat Air Support
From the Paper "The machine gun accounted for most of the casualties in World War I trenches, so in very short time, it was also adapted for use in aircraft, but it remained too difficult to employ effectively as a tactical weapon until the Germans introduced the interrupter gear that enabled accurate forward firing through the propeller. By war's end, military aircraft had evolved to the point that squadrons of fast, nimble combat aircraft fought bitter duals to the death high above the battlefield. The British pioneered the development of maritime aircraft, even successfully deploying HMS Ark Royal (subsequently renamed Pegasus), the world's first, albeit primitive, "aircraft carrier" in limited combat."
This paper examines Norman Mailer's novel "The Naked and the Dead" in which the author incorporates the symbols, characters and narrative conventions of the WWII combat genre.
Abstract This paper details the introduction and perception of the WWII combat genre in both film and literature. The writer of this paper defines genre as an element consisting of a shared set of rules, symbols and story patterns. In Norman Mailer's novel, "The Naked and the Dead," the author engages the symbols, characters and narrative conventions of the combat genre in a complex dialogue, both enmeshing and reinforcing audience expectations. By tracing the minority character of Martinez in "The Naked and the Dead," one can see how Mailer incorporates the genre in a way that reflects both the unique capacities of the novel as a medium separate from that of film. This paper also expands on Mailer's particular view of film as an inadequate representation of the complexities of war and America. The writer of this paper contends that Mailer's novel must be read in the context of the combat film genre, which was well established in the memory of American audiences by 1948 as a frame of reference for understanding and justifying WWII. This paper clearly details the characteristics of Martinez which fits the conventional stereotype evolved from and established within the genre of the World War II combat film. The writer also discusses the significance of various WWII related films that were released in the 1940s including: "Bataan," "GI Joe" and "Home of the Brave."
From the Paper "The multiracial platoon acts as a symbol of democracy, functioning to distinguish Americans from a racist enemy, the Nazis. At the same time, the visual presence of minorities helps to legitimize 'good' racism (racism against the Japanese) by framing it with images of racial integration. Feigning inclusion of minorities is also a propaganda tactic aiming to harness collective support for the war. In Bataan there are four minorities: a Mexican-American, two Philipinos and a black man. The Philipinos are associated with nature; they are implicitly more primitive and closer to the enemy. The Mexican-American is associated with jazz music and a womanizing past, and the black man is associated with spirituality. All four characters die fairly early on in horrible barbaric deaths. In later movies, some or all of these characteristics may be lumped together into composite minority representatives."
Tags: literature, analysis, perception, film, industry, u.s., history, world, war, two
Abstract The paper looks at the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism (NSCT), a strategic plan to protect American infrastructure from terrorist attack. The paper discusses the main tenets of the NSCT and its strengths and weaknesses. The paper concludes that the NSCT must be revised and improved to implement more efficient, logical means of fighting this war of religion and ideology.
Outline:
Introduction
Tenets of the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism
Strengths of the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism
Weaknesses of the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism
Revisions and Improvements
From the Paper "The NSCT lays out its efforts in a comprehensive manner to facilitate a clear understanding of the strategies that will be implemented to combat terror, and terrorism. The main objective, of course, is to defeat violent extremism, which poses a definite threat to our way of life as a free and open society; and create a global environment inhospitable to violent extremists and their supporters (NSCT 2006).
"The NSCT clearly indicates that its strategies are taking into consideration the fact that terrorists and terrorist organizations have adjusted their strategies in response to United States actions, therefore the NSCT is continually being refined."
Abstract This paper discusses the specific steps that must be taken when assigned to a military combat patrol. It goes through the steps in a concise, easy to read chronology. The concept of combat patrols of this magnitude and complication started in the jungle warfare of Vietnam. It was the only way to combat the guerrilla insurgents.
From the Paper "One of the great factors in a patrol, whether the type is reconnaissance, combat, or security, is the size of the patrol.5 When the patrol leader is determining what firepower must be present, he must also take into consideration the number of men to be included. If too many men are present in the patrol, this would not only be a waste of priceless manpower and resources, but it will make it harder for the whole patrol to hide from the enemy. In the chess game of ambushes and sudden strikes that was played out in the Vietnam War, the most important factor is not firepower, but maneuverability."
Abstract The paper looks at how Dave Grossman uses his expertise from his military service to describe and characterize the psychological and the physiological factors involved in combat in his work "On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace". The paper attempts to describe how Grossman conveys the reality of combat to the reader. The paper also looks at his treatment of the act of killing and the fact that this is not something that comes naturally to most people. The paper shows how Grossman's book is directed both at those who train soldiers and at the young soldiers themselves, from the neophyte to the veteran.
From the Paper "He begins with the physiological, by which he means the physical changes in the body during combat. Combat here means not just at the moment of fighting but the lead-up to the fighting and the aftermath of battle. Combat involves the preparations for war, the time spent waiting for a battle to begin, the battle itself, and the aftermath of the battle. During these different times, the individual experiences waves of fear, anxiety, stress, and boredom, with boredom being perhaps the major part of the experience. Grossman also makes it clear that people have certain ideas about combat from movies and stories told by old soldiers and that the reality is quite different and cannot be understood unless experienced directly."
Abstract The paper examines Jane Mayer's "The Black Sites", Jonathan Turley's "Rights on the Rack" and the Seton Hall "Report on Guantanamo Detainees" that shed light on the nature of those prisoners classed as 'enemy combatants', the role of 'black sites' in the torture and confinement of these prisoners, and lastly the issue of US torture of these detainees. The paper highlights the evidence that shows how under the cover of describing their prisoners as 'enemy combatants', the United States government has supported and encouraged its interrogators in the torturing and psychological abuse of non-combatant civilians of other nations.
From the Paper "So far, the Government has offered little evidence that the people being held have been involved in fighting against American soldiers: their own Summary of Evidence for each prisoner makes clear that the label was pre-determined "The United States Government has Previously determined that the detainee is an enemy combatant" (Seton Hall). The Study demonstrates that more than half of the people detained under the category were not involved in hostile acts against the US army, and suggest that, rather than being captured in battle as one would expect from the description of them as Enemy combatants, around two-thirds of the prisoners were derived from Pakistan or the Pakistani Authorities."
Abstract The paper explores how the battle of la Drang shows how helicopters started to have a major influence on combat operations and the evolution of warfare. It discusses that the battle also showed how organizations, such as the air cavalry, with its enhanced ability to locate and battle the enemy, and the airmobile division, which was advanced in mobility, became useful means of warfare. The paper also focuses on the use of helicopters in combat after the Vietnam War.
From the Paper "When faced with this counterattack, the NVA retired to the mountains but the general was not satisfied. He ordered the 1st Cavalry to switch to an offensive operation. At this point, the U.S. was unaware that the NVA was hiding in the la Drang Valley, where the 1st Cavalry was preparing to touch down to seek the enemy. Immediately, the batallion was faced with heavy fire and a strenuous counterattack."
Abstract The paper relates that the U.S. army combat uniform (ACU) provides soldiers on the battlefield with the flexibility in combat wear that they need to adapt to changing conditions and needs. The paper describes the uniform and includes a color picture of a soldier wearing the new uniform.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to a press release concerning the ACU from Army.com (2006), the new ACU comprises a jacket, trousers, patrol cap, moisture wicking t-shirt as well as the newly introduced Army Combat Boot (Temperate and Hot Weather) (The New Army Combat Uniform, 2005). The new ACU is a wrinkle-free uniform that features a digitized camouflage pattern (Triggs, 2004). The report from Army.com also notes that the new ACU is the result of lengthy R&D efforts as well as collaboration with the soldiers who are required to wear it. Moreover, the ACU is contributing to the effectiveness of soldiers on the battlefield by providing a uniform that can be customized to the individual mission; providing enhanced functionality and ergonomics over the existing Battle Dress Uniform; and, eliminating the need to provide different types of uniforms for different environments (The New Army Combat Uniform)."
Abstract This paper discusses the much debated subject of the US military allowing women to fight in all combat units. The author lists and analyzes the various issues regarding the induction of women into combat units, which includes sexual abuse, harassment, pregnancies and physical abilities. The paper also provides several possible solutions on tackling these issues and suggestions for implementing this policy. This paper includes tables.
Outline:
Introduction
The Controversies and Debates Earlier
The Issues Involved
Physical Issues
Biological Issues
Environmental Issues
Social Issues
Analyzing of Data
Current Issues on the Subject
Possible Solutions to the Issue
The National Cadet Corps
Evaluation of the Possible Solutions
Best Possible Solution
Developing a Policy
Implementing the Policy
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Policy
Appendix
References
From the Paper "The problem or controversy of including women in combat units have been debated and discussed for over half a century. While the debates were on, the US military did induct women into combat order. When the subject was discussed in the 1980's and 1990s many academics and writers expressed opinions for and against the proposal. In 1985 for example there was a hot debate in the public policy arena and in social scientific writing; the issue is still alive and undecided. Despite the current combat exclusion policy, there are women in jobs in the U.S. military that will place them in combat should war break out where they are stationed or where their units are planned to be deployed."
Abstract This essay examines the roles played by women in the military and gender stratification. The author discusses three Supreme Court cases that strengthened the ongoing argument that females should be allowed into military positions of active combat. The paper also looks at the story of Major Rhonda Cornum, taken captive in the Black Hawk incident.
From the Paper "As the world enters the twenty-first century, the question of gender stratification and exclusion in military ground combat situations continues to be the center of much disagreement and debate. Female citizens should by all means be guaranteed the same opportunities for advancement and individual freedom of choice that are given their male counterparts. The obtainment of these opportunities and freedoms should not, however, come at the expense or sacrifice of all aspects of the time-honored relationships and boundaries that have conventionally existed between the sexes, one of which is the battlefield."
Abstract This paper discusses the federal law proposed by Senator Bruce Wayne for the purpose of combating domestic terrorism. It explains how the law proposed that 1) visiting federal buildings be subject to a search of their person and belongings; 2) police detain any individual arousing suspicion of potential terrorist activity in or near a federal building; and 3) sentences be doubled and made mandatory for individuals convicted of terrorist-related activity. The paper examines the social ramifications of the threat of domestic terrorism in the United States.
From the Paper "In the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, both press and public hastily assumed that the crime had Mideast origins. "John Doe," however, turned out to hail from the heart of Middle America. One of the lessons learned, as the terrorist's true identity slowly revealed itself, was not to jump to conclusions in assessing terrorism. This is a lesson that should yield even greater pause, as lawmakers eagerly rush to find a solution to the problem of domestic terrorism."
