Women in military jobs/ combat

I have read quite a bit lately about females not being chosen for jobs such as corpmen because of being embedded with the marines. Being a Construction electrician with the Seabees, we had many discussions as to our roles in a combat situation. When the 1st Marine expeditionary Force was in Iraq during the time I was there, we went out at night and repaired roads, our corpmen went out and treated the marines in the field, we drove convoy trucks of materials, fuel, we repaired buildings in towns that were constantly under duress, built schools. Those jobs that are specifically not allowing women in a combat role are few between.

We cannot go door to door on a mission, we cannot be part of an artillary group, there are certian positions if you are Crew Serve (50 caliber machine guns, Mark 19 ......) depending on mission. There is submarine service. Other than that we do just about everything the men do. We train side by side and for most young ladies they will find the men they fight side by side with in what ever situation wether it be training or combat. Those young men have your backs, just as you will have theirs. We all have strengths and weaknesses, we all work as a team and acomplish the mission as a team.

I applaud you all . Unless it says in the DOD directive of women in combat that you cannot do it, strive for what ever you think will be the most exciting and rewarding job, if you dont llike it change it if you can.

Good luck to you all!!

SeabeeCE mom
42 and still serving as a Seabee!