Women in Combat: Let them Fight!

The notion that women in the military should not be on the frontlines in combat is a modern dilemma created by men. Who, in their right mind, thinks a woman is not able to face mortal combat? Why does the US military think otherwise? There are many modern nations who allow women to be in combat, in fact, many are in Afghanistan because of the nature of that war. Iraq was the same. To a lesser extent, Vietnam, also, when war came to areas women were at.

But seriously, women have led men into combat throughout history. Two of the most famous women are Joan of Arc and Boudicca. One could say, Boudicca, was the first female warrior and leader that led 75,000 men and women into combat with the Roman 9th Legion in what is now England in 60 AD. She was a tall woman and strong. Her voice was commanding with long red hair down her back. She became the leader of the Iceni Celtic tribe when her husband was killed. After leading the tribe's first successful battle, they stormed into what is now London, which had 25,000 people. There, Boudicca's army ravaged and burned everything in sight and killed anything related to Romans. The Roman 9th Legion and others lost 30,000 soldiers. Boudicca continued her revolt against the Romans and met Rome's 14th and some of its 20th Legions, amounting to 12000 men at the climatic battle near what is now Mancetter. While she had 75,000 in her army, many were non-combative and children and none were trained. The Romans were well trained and equipped. After Boudicca's charge into the Roman ranks failed, the Romans took over and defeated the revolt.

The legends of Boudicca and Joan of Arc are true. They were very real women quite capable of leading large numbers of men and women into deadly combat. It seems the modern military world thinks otherwise. I think, they should think again.