Women on US submarines

[ Introduction ] Thanks, Con, for the debate... and welcome to DDO! In the future, keep in mind that the instigator of a debate has the burden of proof, and thus is expected to post an argument first in Round 1. That said, I'll begin this debate anyway by presenting several contentions under three specific categories, and then offering an initial rebuttal against arguments against the resolution. My rebuttal in the next round will expand based on your arguments. Thanks again and good luck! [ Legal Argument ] Quite obviously, there is no good (fair) reason why women should not be allowed to serve on United States submarines. There is no private employer regarding the Navy -- It is funded by the United States government, and the government like all employers has a legal obligation to uphold the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This statute mandates equal opportunity employment; in other words one cannot be turned away from a job on the basis of their race, creed or sex [1]. Therefore, preventing women from serving on submarines strictly because of their gender puts the United States at odds with the legal obligations it is bound to. This act is not only immoral but illegal as well. [ Moral Argument ] Throughout the ages, women have been inhibited from various aspects of academia and the work force due to their gender. Over the years many brave women have worked and fought hard to change the system and prove that women are just as capable of men at performing most jobs. While admittedly men have superior upper body strength and other minor physical advantages, the field of submarine work does not have gender-specific requirements that should limit women working to do something which they are both qualified for and passionate about. To do so is to practice blatant discrimination which is contrary to the goals and values of the United States. [ Pragmatic Argument ] The submarine service has some of the most technical requirements for officers. Many years ago, 70% of the male navy officers had technical degrees. Today, only 25% of the men in the navy have technical degrees (such as in the field of engineering, etc.). Meanwhile, the number of women with technical degrees is increasing. Ergo, it makes sense to open the field of submarine service to women given their expanding qualifications. This is a practical endeavor for the Navy. The number of potential male employees is decreasing while the number of potential women employees is increasing. By restricting women, it limits the pool of potential employees and may lead to an under qualified person being hired next to a more qualified individual. Not only is this immoral and illegal, but counterproductive and even dangerous regarding the citizens the Navy is supposed to be protecting. We deserve to have the most qualified soldiers on board regardless of their gender. [ Arguments Against Women On Subs ] We must evaluate the reasons women have been not allowed to work on U.S. submarines in the past. There are 2 arguments: Cramped quarters and sexual harassment. Because submarines used to be very small, there existed little privacy for the crew on board. The Navy felt that the women would have too little privacy thus presenting a problem. However, it's more than obvious that (a) not every woman requires privacy and (b) some women do not care about this issue. If men are okay with the close quarters, then it is reasonable to accept that women can be just as okay with it. Many are, and that is indeed proven by their willingness and excitement to join the submarine crew. Moreover, modern submarines are far larger meaning this problem is no longer even an issue [2]. On the basis of sexual harassment, Admiral Barry Bruner notes that there will be increased training aimed at avoiding sexual harassment, improper onboard relationships and other related problems. In other words, any sex-related issue will be prepared for and warned against. Additionally every submarine with women on it will have multiple women so as to not feel isolated. Only female officers will be allowed on board initially meaning in many cases they may even be higher ranked than their male subordinates. We should expect that men are decent and capable enough of respecting the ranking hierarchy in the military and not violate a superior. We should also assume that men are not barbaric animals and capable of upholding a professional demeanor in the workforce by not raping or harassing their coworkers. To presume that men will not be able to control their urges is demeaning not only to women but especially to the men who are regarded as sexual terrorists. [ Conclusion ] It is immoral, illegal and impractical to ban women from serving on U.S. submarines. The United States government is responsible for upholding U.S. laws and sentiments regarding equality. Since female citizens are equally expected to pay taxes, and female soldiers are equally responsible to their military commitments, then to discriminate against women in particular areas is unethical. The only arguments against women serving on subs are now either completely irrelevant, or resort to reducing men to uncivilized barbarians enslaved to their animalistic cravings. This is discriminatory to both men and women. It is not women's fault that men like to have sex; they should not be inhibited in their chosen profession simply because men in the past have been dangerous and irresponsible. Every crew member is responsible for their own actions and work ethic. Women are just as qualified as men for this particular line of work, and to restrict more qualified individuals from serving puts both the members on board and all citizens of the U.S. in danger. We should have the best and most qualified people working in all parts of our military regardless of their reproductive organs. Thank you. [ Sources ] [1] http://www.archives.gov... [2] http://www1.voanews.com...