More Roles for Women in Mexican Military

While military women in Mexico are still not allowed in combat, they will now be trained to become piolts, engineers, and other careers. I'm anti-war, but I'm more anti-sexism, so I'm glad that women in Mexico's military are getting more opportunities to support their country. At the same time, it's unfortunate that women in the military who are not in combat aren't recognized for their contributions to the military as nurses and doctors.

Women first joined Mexico's armed forces in 1938 as nurses. By 1973, they could become military doctors, and three years later, dentists. Today, women have access to 17 of the military's 39 career schools. And with access has come increased interest: 3,326 women applied for military schooling in 2007-2008, up 61 percent from the year before.

The article fails to mention if the new influx of female recruits will result in more health services for military women and extra protection from sexual harrassment and assault. I'm not even sure if that's as big of an issue in Mexico as it is in the United States. But after reading the following quote, extra protection for women seems needed:

[Agustin Radilla, who oversees military education] said that, so far, the male cadets have welcomed the women into the new schools, and he credits the changes for a "healthy competition" between the sexes.

Should there be any competition between fellow soldiers? After all, they're fighting on the same damn side.