×

This achievement deserves praise

Army Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver made history recently. They became the first women to make it through the Army’s rigorous Ranger training program.

Now, they may be part of making even more history as the Army studies whether combat tasks still off-limits for women, such as serving in the infantry, should be opened to them.

Griest and Haver distinguished themselves during the Ranger training course, according to several accounts. But they are realists. Asked whether the Army should water down physical requirements for combat jobs in order to get women in them, the two said no.

They are absolutely correct. Each one of the armed forces has elite units with strict, sometimes harsh requirements. They are not relaxed for men for the very good reason that doing so would make the units less effective – and those in them less safe.

As Griest and Haver have proved, a few women may be able to serve in combat units, even elite ones.

Army officials considering whether to allow women in infantry combat roles should have one criterion only: Will making the change be consistent with having an effective fighting force? That, after all, is the Army’s responsibility.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today