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Posted by: 3AW Radio | 27 September, 2011 - 11:53 AM
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TOM ELLIOTT: The issue of women serving in frontline combat has reappeared, and this time I think it’s set to become a reality.

Federal Cabinet has just approved a plan which, over the next five years, will open up all roles in the armed forces to female volunteers. At present, women are excluded from tasks such as mine clearance diving, infantry, artillery and airfield defence, as these activities entail the prospect of hand-to-hand fighting.

Until now, women have been precluded from direct combat roles in most countries for two reasons:

First, it has long been thought that female bodies were simply not up to the rigours of fighting, and that they would be unable to adequately defend themselves from opponents;

And second, that the presence of women in the frontline would distract their male counterparts from the task at hand, thus degrading the efficiency of our armed forces.

I think the time has come for such attitudes to be scrapped. As long as we maintain physical standards for new recruits, there’s no reason why an exceptionally fit and strong female soldier could not be considered capable for the rigours of infantry combat, for example.

And given that male-female attitudes and relationships have changed so dramatically in the past 50 years or so, there’s no reason why younger men and women today might find each other’s presence so distracting that they’re unable to focus on the task at hand.

Years ago women were wrongly excluded from many professions and jobs, and it’s time our defence forces entered the 21st century in this regard. By all means, keep up physical standards for entry into the sharp end of the army, navy and air force – but don’t prevent women from joining because of outdated notions about their gender...

3AW NEWS: The federal government says women will be able to apply for any role within the Australian defence force as part of new a five year plan.

Currently 93 per cent of ADFA positions are open to women.  The remaining seven per cent exclude women on the basis of gender, including roles on the frontline.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith says the time is right to remove restrictions on women in the defence force.

PLAY: Michael Pachi of the 3AW Canberra Bureau breaks news to Neil Mitchell

PLAY: Major General Jim Barry, President of the Defence Reserves Association

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Blog comments Your Say

  • GI Jane (4.32pm), exactly what do you think Australian soldiers are facing in Afghanistan & Iraq atm, a garden party? This is war & millions are dying. No matter how much new technology we develop, it still requires foot soldiers on the ground.

    Lenny Thursday 29 September, 2011 - 2:38 PM

  • Justine,I should have concluded that I have nothing against them serving on the front line,my concern is what might happen to them,I agree with both your comments>..

    Steve Thursday 29 September, 2011 - 12:46 PM

  • Steve, perhaps I misread your post (?) I thought you were arguing against women on the frontline. I agree that a woman in the Taliban's hands would be in an horrendous situation, as would a man. My only point was that this shouldn't be a reason to stop women serving if they wish to and are up to it. If I misunderstood you I apologise.

    Justine Thursday 29 September, 2011 - 10:16 AM

  • It should become a reality and it is long overdue.

    Man or woman, should have equal access to positions and reponsibilities, provided they meet fitness requirements, proficiency and combat readiness - and the agenda doesn't get hijacked by affirmative action as it usually does. x% of corporals should be women, y% sergeants, etc etc. It must be on merit.

    Unfortunately, the female digger pictured must be a recruit and does not reflect well on female soldiers. her kit is an absolute mess, not squared away, with stuff hanging off everywhere. So bad choice of pics 3AW.

    Get used to it Australia as they do in the US. Limbless and otherwise disabled women veterans, and women soldiers in bodybags are sad reality.

    Bring it on Australia.

    Jake Wednesday 28 September, 2011 - 4:58 PM

  • Equality in Action.
    Private to superior on the front line hill attack scene: "sorry sarge I have a stomach problem due to the monthly one can I evacuate now and get back in ten days,ya know its a human's right, I mean a woman's right"

    Grant Wednesday 28 September, 2011 - 12:41 PM

  • Justine, I don,t condone rape in any form,what's your problem??

    Steve Wednesday 28 September, 2011 - 11:41 AM

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