A couple of things are obvious when it comes to women serving in our nation’s armed forces.
First, it is plain that our military would be in deep trouble if it did not have the excellent service of many thousands of women, who serve in a broad range of roles to keep our armed forces ready to defend the United States.
It is also clear that with the important jobs they perform in war zones such as Afghanistan and Iraq, female members of our military sometimes inadvertently find themselves in combat situations.
However, it is troubling that there is talk of deliberately placing women in units specifically designated for ground combat. Putting women in those units is the recommendation of a panel called the Military Leadership Diversity Commission.
That is a bad idea. Women in the military often act with great courage in difficult situations. No one should slight their service nor their valor.
But there are obvious differences between the average physical strength of men and that of women. Those differences can become a question of life and death on the battlefield. It is also sadly true that women who are captured in battle may face especially inhumane treatment by some enemies.
We proudly acknowledge the fine service of many women in the U.S. armed forces, and we applaud their advancement through the ranks.
But it is not advisable to deliberately place them in combat units.