Marine Questionnaire Produces Primary Concerns of Women in Combat

Now that women will be allowed in combat with the U.S. Marines, the Corps is wondering what the primary concerns will be of the men who have thus far been alone among the sexes on the battlefield. An anonymous, online questionnaire surveyed 53,000 troops last summer, asking what the top concerns would be of the move. The results of the survey were sent to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta prior to his opening of combat positions to women just last week.

The results were released to the media, specifically the Associated Press, last Friday. The number one concern of male members is being falsely accused of sexual harassment or assault. Thousands of those submitting the questionnaire indicated that they may leave service altogether as a result of such a move.

Other top concerns were the possibility of preferential treatment of some Marines and concerns that personal issues or pregnancy could interfere with a unit prior to being deployed to battle. Some have indicated that the results of the survey show that sensitivity training will be necessary to ensure that the change goes as planned. “I think there is this sense among what I would imagine is a very small minority of Marines that this male bastion is under siege and this is one more example of political correctness,” said David J. R. Frakt, a military law expert and lieutenant colonel in the Air Force reserves. The Marine Corps, which is primarily male, also resisted changes to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, and has now adjusted to that change – most expect that the newest change will go similarly.