Fog-covered forests, heat-ravaged deserts, landscapes destroyed by mortars. These are just some of the scenarios encountered on modern battlefields. Today's warrior must be determined, emotionally stable, physically immobile and a born killer. Do women fit any of these descriptions? Should a woman be allowed to enter combat situations? Some argue that it is a woman's right to fight alongside other men. Others agree that by not allowing women to join the ground troops, her rights are being taken away. A woman can be anything she wants, but when she tries to prove that she is just as good as a man in combat she could put herself in very dangerous situations that could affect her and her unit. Many agree that in certain military occupations, women can function at the same level as men. The controversy with having women fight with men at war is the fact that they have a different physical build, deal with stress and emotions differently, are more susceptible to injury, and simply don't have the killer instinct needed to carry out the work. While this last statement may seem like a stereotype, most women would not be able to withstand the demanding rigors of war-type situations. It would be a grave mistake to allow women to face these stressful and dangerous situations. One of the most important factors that prove that women are not as effective as men in combat situations is the obvious fact that their performance is different on a physical level. Another important point is the fact that women are much more susceptible to injuries than men. These factors could weigh heavily on the central part of the card in play and could influence how women behave in dangerous situations. Women are doing an exceptional job performing and expanding their current positions in the military. We must be satisfied and recognize our limitations as human beings and soldiers. The role of women has always played an important role in military history. By leaving them out of the fight, their reputation can remain untainted. Works Cited Gertzen, Jason. “He's in the Army now and his highest injury rate is Penagon” Omaha World Herald April 28, 1996, 6Landers, Robert K. “Should Women Be Allowed to Fight?” Congressional Quarterly Inc. October 13, Vol. 2, no. 14, pp. 570-582Vrazo, Fawn "Should He Fight?" Kight-Ridder Newspapers January 21, 1990, ppF1+Gunnery Sergeant Massey, RL Personal interview. February 20.1999