Charlie Rangell has introduced a bill in congress that would require all women 18-25 years of age to register for the draft. Is this what we want?

If we are going to be a truly genderless society, why not have women and men athletes compete against eachother in olympic sports? One reason (with a few exceptions -- synchronized swimming comes to mind) --- because the women are at a physical disadvantage and would lose. This is not to denigrate women, on average, men are physically stronger and faster. We need to recognize and appreciate the differences.

Combat units are a completely false title anymore. The Naval Construction Force isn't listed as a combat unit, yet many of my fellow Seabee's saw direct fire and battle during these last 2 campaigns.

Women were part of these units, vital parts. Just as vital as any other member of the team. Now did some of them get pregnant, yes. But we congratulated them on the new life growing inside of them and they didn't deploy with us. We made sure they were taken care of medically.

This is the same as the male members who wound up with a broken leg from a car accident or were called back due to family emergencies (although we didn't congratulate them for these. We wished them the best, gave them heartfelt hand shakes and hugs and knew they would not deploy with us either.

I served with women in "non combat units" for 18 of my 20 years. They are just as capable as men in every regard. As for physical standards? I would no more ask a 125lb female to lift an iron girder than would ask a 125lb male too. If you can't figure out where each person in your unit is experienced and will best fit the team, then the leader needs replacing, not the people of a different gender. Name one thing a man can do that a woman can't? And other than giving birth, what can a woman do that a man can't?

And as for the comment about rocking the baby to sleep... when I was stationed in Japan, my wife worked nights on base. So I spent many a night rocking my infant daughter to sleep while she was out "chopping the proverbial wood". So please, don't define gender roles based on an antiquated and misogynistic view point that either of the genders are inferior to one or another.

I have a bit of “been there, done that” experience when it comes women in combat rolls. I was in a “special” organization where women were not allowed to serve - and there are valid reasons why it should remain that way. My argument isn’t based so much on the physical demands – though that’s extremely vital (weakest link concept). There is a level of cohesion that occurs - a bonding of brothers that happens in combat. It’s in our basic programing – our firmware. Having a woman in the mix would only disrupt that crucial balance. I hear that woman will remain exempt from specialized units for now - and that’s how it should remain in all direct combat units.

Why are we so determined to redefine the roles of men and women in this country? How many men would sit and rock their baby to sleep while the wife is outside chopping firewood? Does that sound “natural” to anyone? Men are not equipped to breast feed, get it? We should be celebrating our gender defined rolls and differences – not throwing ourselves in a blender - trying to remake ourselves in man’s image. Let’s stick to our programing as God made us; He is the architect after all. Let’s pray for peace and respect women for the vital role they play! It’s no less important than men’s role – just different!