Women on Submerged Submarines in the Future

The word from Yahoo News is that top Pentagon officials are working on new policies, which would allow women to work aboard submerged submarines.

Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, supports a change of U.S. military policy that would allow women to serve on submerged submarine ships. Women only make up approximately 15 percent of the U.S. Navy, and a policy that would allow them to serve in more areas would aid in expansion of the role of women in the forces.

One point raised by opponents of such a policy is that women on submarines would possibly have to share beds with their male peers. However, proponents of it counter that officers and enlisted members are already separated, meaning separation of men and women is also feasible, a fact that was pointed out by co-president of the National Women's Law Center. The Associate Press relesased an article expressing the view of another concerned group, wives of husbands on submarines. Some of whom oppose uplifting the ban citing trust issues and possible harassment cases.

Women serving on submarines are yet another work force that has yet to be ultilized. Women in the workforce are an asset and should be valued as such. Hopefully the U.S military recognizes this. More updates to follow, as possible policies unfold.


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