Sen. Jim Webb released a statement today commending the Navy for developing a plan to phase women into positions on submarines.
The Navy leadership has been discussing posting female sailors about subs for months, but there are concerns about the close quarters, cramped space and the potential for fraternization. Apparently the Navy is going to move methodically forward on this - which sounds right considering that it takes at least a year to get trained up on subs - and Webb clearly likes the idea.
Here's Jim Webb's statement, along with an editor's note from his office.
“I welcome today’s news that the Navy will adopt a new policy to allow women to serve on submarines. The decision follows thorough internal deliberations, and falls in line with the military’s long-standing policy goal of expanding the number of assignments available to women.”
Editor’s note: As Secretary of the Navy in 1987, Jim Webb opened up more billets to women than any secretary of the Navy in history. He convened a special study group, reporting back to him through the Navy’s uniformed leadership, that conducted a thorough examination of the Navy’s assignment policies and other issues. His approval of the study group’s recommendations led to a large expansion in the number of sea-going billets available to women officers and enlisted personnel.
The military folks are talking about this over at Hugh Lessig's military blog - so jump over there if you want to share some thoughts.
Between this effort and the don't ask don't tell policy discussions it's going to be interesting to watch the military folks react.
Absolutely insane.
Posted by: Cargosquid | Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 07:28 AM