The Women's Freedom Network Newsletter September/October, 2001, Vol. 8, Number 5. WOMEN'S FREEDOM NETWORK DEBATE Women in Combat: Civic Duty or Military Liability? On October 15, 2001, the Women's Freedom Network sponsored a debate between Lorry M. Fenner and Marie E. deYoung on the topic of the use of women in military combat. The event was filmed by C-Span and attended by over 60 people ranging from military personnel to concerned and interested citizens. The debate was aired on C-Span 2.

A fter an opening remark given by Dr. Rita J. Simon, both participants outlined their major arguments, followed by responses and a question and answer period. For readers who want an exhaustive treatment of the history of the performance of women in the United States military, the debate about their role in combat, or the challenges that have developed as a result of their roles in combat, we strongly encourage you to read their book, "Women in Combat" (Georgetown University Press, 2001) and other works on this controversial and timely issue.

In the book, the researchers address such topics as standards of physical fitness, job standards, ability to cope with stresses of military life and war, rights of citizenship, equal protection, and political correctness. Their arguments are supported with a broad range of empirical data. What follows is a brief synopsis of Fenner's and deYoung's arguments.

Lorry M. Fenner, Colonel (Select)

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Lorry Fenner is unequivocally clear that women should be fully integrated into the military and should serve in whatever capacity for which they are qualified, including combat units. Overall, Fenner argues that the nation-state is based on the government's ability to protect its sovereignty and the lives and prosperity of its people. The armed forces are a core institution, and combat in this institution is a defining feature. The U.S. military should reflect the democratic society it serves -- and such reflection involves women in the military serving in any position for which they are qualified. People who oppose women in the military damage morale and create division. They do not support national security, enhance military effectiveness, or contribute to cohesiveness. Fenner emphasizes job standards and claims that women have proven that they are physically capable of doing the tasks to which they have been assigned. She further claims that "gender norming" of physical standards is not evidence of lower standards. Job standards do not change to accommodate gender, age, or the physical condition of a service member. She cites to historical evidence that women have the emotional courage to withstand the brutality of war -- including imprisonment as prisoners of war.

Marie E. deYoung, Director of the Newman Catholic Center

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Marie E. deYoung strongly believes that women serving in combat would be a personal and social disaster. Overall, she rests her argument against combat duty for women on three primary grounds. First, the standards of physical fitness are lower for women than they are for men. Second, in no way does the failure of women to serve in combat units deny them their full rights as citizens. Third, the way in which a women's inability to engage in combat may limit their opportunities for promotion is no different than men who because of physical or mental disabilities are not eligible for service in certain units. The practice is not discrimination. For both men and women, de Young argues service in the military in whatever capacity and rank is a valuable contribution to our nation's defense. Marie deYoung takes issue with Fenner for equating women who oppose having women serve in the military in any capacity, with women who oppose women serving in combat as anti-feminist for doing so. She charges Fenner with political correctness and with a failure to recognize the important difference in the two positions.

While this was only a brief introduction to their arguments, again, we encourage you to read their work. The use of women in combat and the role of women in the armed forces is seen on the news daily. In fact, it is a special topic being covered for the week on the morning news show, The Today Show. With America at war, we must take a long, hard look at how best we can protect our country, its citizens, and do so in a way that lives up to our foundation -- the United States Constitution.

Marie deYoung, an army chaplain, was previously the director of the Center for Women in Church and Society at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She is currently director of the Newman Catholic Center and is author of "This Woman's Army: The Dynamics of Sex and Violence in the Military" and "Sexuality: Histories, Behaviors and Lifestyles that Impact on Military Readiness."