For years, women in America have been allowed to fight alongside their male counterparts. Well, in most instances. There are women police officers, women fire fighters, women fighter pilots. But what about women in combat?

Some would say it is only fair to let women fight battles. They would argue that by not allowing women to fight in wars we are defeating the purpose of the women’s movement, a movement that was supposed to make women equal to men, not inferior to them.

But others would argue it isn’t worth it to let women stand on the same ground as men. They would say, among other reasons, the risk is just too high. And The Daily Aztec agrees with them.

There are several reasons not to have women in combat. One reason is physical capability. Most women are physically inferior to men. Their bodies are not built to withstand the same endurance. Sure, there are women who can hold their own against men. Some may even be stronger and would probably do fine in battle, but is the cost the military would have to pay to change training and to house separate sleeping quarters and bathroom facilities worth it?

As of now, for example, women are not allowed on submarines and most naval ships. There is just not enough space for men’s sleeping and bathing quarters and women’s sleeping and bathing quarters. Submarines are made for one sex and one sex only. If women were allowed on submarines with men, the military would have to spend billions of dollars to make separate residences. If women were allowed on submarines alone, like men are now, the military would have to spend additional millions to train more women to operate submarines.

Another idea to consider is how other countries would feel about women in combat. Would leaders in Middle Eastern countries, where women are not even allowed to work alongside men, accept American women combatants? Or would this just lessen any chances of reconciliation?

It is unfortunate and maybe a little degrading to not accept women in all warfare positions. But it is important to look at the big picture. Is it really worth the money it would cost the military, the stamina necessary to handle the situation and the wager America would take just to be called equal? Probably not.