Before January 2013, gender equality in the military service was never a priority for the government. Women were not placed in positions that would have them fighting vigorously and constantly against the opposer.  However on January 24, the Pentagon made the decision to overturn the 1994 rule that banned women from participating in  military operations.
Many students at Convent of the Sacred Heart find the government’s decision interesting.
“I think that it’s promoting feminism because it shows that women can do anything that men can do,” sophomore Priscilla Valdez said.
Thousands of women have already been placed into combat situations in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past few years, despite the fact that the decision was not made until January 2013. Combat positions include infantry, armor, cavalry, and special operations. According to USA Today, women troops have been wanting the Pentagon to “catch up with reality,” and it appears that this has happened. Military officials state that more women will be put in combat immediately, but the final decision from the services will not be made until 2016.
“I think this is a good decision because qualified women deserve to have the same opportunities as men,” sophomore Ellie Denson said. “If they have the skills, then they should be able to move up.”
According to US News, the announcement from the Leon Panetta, United States Defense Secretary,  was exciting for all female troops and veterans across the country. It has opened up 230,000 additional jobs for women in the United States. Participating in combat also provides women with the opportunity to hold positions as elite commanders.
“I truly believe that women and men should have equal rights without restriction in every realm. If a person is called to serve in the military  and they have gifts and abilities to put their talents in the service of defending their country, then so be it,” Assistant Head of School Mr. Michael Baber said.
However, there are some concerns regarding this decision because of the unsanitary living conditions, lack of hygiene and privacy, and no access to basic facilities. Some from the Congressional Research Service are deeming it “dangerous” or “unnecessary” for women. They argue that men are more capable of dealing with these conditions due to their strength and state of mind. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has thought this through and is sticking with his decision.
“I fundamentally believe our military is more effective when success is based solely on ability, on qualifications and on performance,”  Leon Panetta said in a press release after announcing this decision.

– Kim Smith, Staff Writer