This thread typifies the unique nature of a modern service like the RAF. We think that every solution can be reduced to the abstract and resolved by committee thinking and rational problem solving. It can't. We seem to think that every aspect of military ops is an item of kit you pick off the shelf that you can reduce to a box ticking exercise and rattle off some learning objectives (infanteering isn't like flying a jet).
We are conditioned to be solution seekers and problem solvers (pine poles!) when sometimes, there is no solution that you can say "Sorted!". We want to say "Well, if she can run the same as a bloke, she can do a bloke's job.. surely?" because that reflects solely on
our ability to think and act as managers and leaders. Sometimes, there isn't a solution because it's beyond our comprehension.
The RAF has brilliant units like TCW, TSW etc, but apart from the Regiment, how much teeth arm experience does it have? Quite. Yet it holds an expert's view. My points haven't been answered because there is not the experience, the motivation or the ability to answer them. The feedback on ARRSE might not be eloquent and the debating not as rarified but it is at least, informed. So, once more, and keeping as many physiological aspects out if it as possible.. here is a handy box ticking guide for the infantry experts to address.
1. Would the RAF want its jets serviced by someone who could pass a screwdriver turning tick test, but who had cognitive skills when it came to understanding the servicing manual or putting together complex engineering solutions?
2. Have you considered the additional ingrained decision making pressures on local commanders when working out their combat appreciations, if women were also factored in and involved? Please evidence either way.
3. Have you considered the impact on our men when coerced as prisoners, faced with the threat of mutilating or beheading a female prisoner if they failed to co-operate? Once again, please evidence.
4. How will you address the emotional dynamic of the team set up deployed and ensure that the undeniably carnal desires of young, fit people don't upset the apple cart.
Or shall we keep saying "Pine poles!!! Erm, if she can run.. why not?".
Added.
Ralph, it isn't about comparing short men to short women or looking back at a conflict like Vietnam. Even in my pomp there would have been some women who could tab better than me
! An infantry section is greater than the sum of its parts. It isn't about allowing people to "be the best they can be" or facilitating any high minded best thinking which reflects a modern society's values (or any of that guff).
Clockwork Mouse is absolutely correct. Compare the modern infanteer with one of even 30 years ago, The stature is
significantly different.
It's about putting our young people into harm's way to do a job and not to have the vanity to pander to our perceived abilities as masterful decision makers. It's about ensuring we have taken all things into account and having ironed out as many of the imponderables as possible.. we can get them all back again. If we subordinate that core principle, we are letting them down again through ignorance as much as anything.