Our military would be in trouble without the fine work done by the many women who serve. Their accomplishments have moved them into the highest ranks, and rightly so.
But there are a few places where women ought not to serve — not because they are any less patriotic than men but because it does not serve the interest of keeping our military forces as effective as possible.
For instance, though women do serve in dangerous places around the world, they ought not to be placed in direct combat positions. Differences in physical strength, as well as the worse treatment to which women might be subjected if they were captured in battle, make military combat for women unwise and impractical.
It is also unwise that strong consideration is being given to having women serve on our Navy’s submarines. Again, we do not doubt the valor or skill of women in the Navy. But submarines have unusually cramped quarters. We would like to think all the young men and women on a submarine would behave properly, but as the saying goes, “Proximity breeds attempt.” Alarmingly high pregnancy rates have resulted from women serving on surface ships. That is the last thing a submarine crew should have to deal with as the sub moves quietly far below the surface of the world’s oceans.
Some see the issue as one of promoting a “social cause” on behalf of women. But the purpose of the military is to be as sharp and ready as possible to defend the United States and U.S. interests. It is not to conduct social experiments.
Congress ought to say no to plans to place women on submarines.