It is amazing to me how much intellectual energy we as a Nation are spending on debating whether or not women should be in combat. They already are. They are performing mission essential functions across today’s battlefield. They are medics, intelligence analysts, logisticians and many other things. They are absolutely essential to everything the US Military does.
The idea that we should open all branches of the military to women makes no sense. They already fight side by side with infantrymen, tankers, etc. They are already merged. Why do they actually need to be part of that branch? We are a combined arms team. Each branch of the service has a specific function. They train to be able to perform that function, and then commanders synchronize their different capabilities on the field of battle.
We have seen female warriors throughout history, starting back in ancient times. The Bible is full of women who make a difference.
In Judges 4 we hear the story of Deborah. At the time, she was leading Israel. A major enemy was Sisera, commander of a Canaanite Army. Sisera’s forces included 900 iron chariots.
Deborah knew that action was required. She summoned Barak and directed that he take 10,000 men to defeat Sisera. Barak knew that he needed Deborah’s strength and counsel. He says in Judges 4:8 “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.
In Judges, 4:9 Deborah replied, “Very well, I will go with you. But because of they way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman.”
Deborah went with Barak, and together (with God’s help) they defeated Sisera’s army. Deborah controlled the activity. She told Barak when and where to attack. In Judges 4:14: Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?”
At the end of the day, Sisera’s army was defeated. Not a man was left. Sisera tried to escape himself, but was killed by another woman (Jael).
Deborah and Barak played to each other’s strengths. They both did what they were good at, and they did it together. That’s the way it is on today’s battlefield.
As Patton said when he was addressing the Soldiers of the 2nd Armored Division: “You musicians of Mars must not wait for the band leader to signal you. You must each of your own volition see to it that you come into this concert at the proper place and at the proper time.” The service members of today’s military know what they are good at, and what they need to do…and they do it.
Everyone has specific strengths and weaknesses, but together they make a powerful team. The US Military is the strongest military in the world. As they say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.