re: #11 wrenchwench

Your points are well taken. It is a tough issue. There are very tough and very capable women who choose to serve in the military.
And yes, having combat experience is a big consideration in promotions. I would rather there be an appropriate alternative for those ladies. Women are too precious to be lost to or damaged by the violence of war. I am a Vet and in addition spent four years in Nam. You may not care for the opinions of the guy I linked to - however, if I were to have to go in harms way and could pick my leader - he would be on my very short list. (He and I are both much too old for that sort of stuff anymore).