Humans of Coronado is a photo series where we “bump” into residents and visitors around the island, completely unplanned and unfiltered. It was inspired by Humans of New York. Next time you are out and about around town, you may just find yourself part of the next HOC series!
This segment of Humans of Coronado concerns the recent decision of the Navy to allow women into its elite teams, including those that have been previously closed to women. The decision feels very personal to a lot of people from Coronado, especially those in the Navy SEAL community.
To get Coronado’s opinion, I interviewed some people randomly (tourists and locals passing by the Hotel del Coronado beach) as well as asked a few friends in the SEAL community. The results are very different. The one thing people had in common: most of them did not want to share their identity or even their photo! When it comes to the Navy SEALs, people tend to be very guarded. For SEALs or their wives who shared their opinions, I chose to use a photo of the SEAL trident to protect their privacy.
Click the photos below to launch the gallery.
I’m not very well versed on it, but I think it’s good they’re opening it up to both genders. It empowers women!
As a woman, I say ‘go for it girl!’ As a SEAL wife, I am highly opposed to women joining the Teams as operators. My opinion is that it will change the dynamics of every single platoon a woman is in. I don’t think it will be a good change either.
Women are joining the SEALs? That’s really cool! Does that mean fewer men in the SEALs? It’s great for women!
I live in Coronado, but I am not from here. In order to be a SEAL, I think the most important thing is mindset, so I see no reason for women not to join. Obviously there is the physical aspect, but if they can do it, then that’s good. Can a woman carry a man out of battle? Maybe! Mindset is the most important.
It’s just politics; the political leadership in Washington is using the Navy as a playing card. But tell me, when you go to battle, who are you fighting for? You’re fighting for America, yes, but you’re also fighting for the moms, the grandmas, the daughters. If they are with you in battle, who are you fighting for? I served three deployments, I know what it’s like.
Generally the tests and training make sure the person best fitted for the job will make it, and I really do think it is going to be hard to find a woman who can meet the standards of the training. We women have different physical characteristics, and the SEAL training puts severe demands on your body. If or when that happens, though, you will naturally add the complications coming with men and women working together. Given the extreme situations the SEALs operate in, where mental stability is crucial, it is hard not to think that an added mental distraction can be a higher cost than the potential benefit to the community.
It’s not the worst military decision in our nation’s history, but it’s in the top three. It’s a dangerous social experiment in which people’s lives are at stake.
I think they need to have the same physical abilities and qualifications as the men would have. If they can do it, that’s great! What was that movie, G.I. Jane? She totally kicked the guys’ butts!
I think it’s great! It should have happened earlier!
What do YOU think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Becca is a Coronado local, military spouse, mother of three, and an ICU nurse on hiatus. In Coronado, you will find her at the playground with her kids, jogging to the beach, or searching the Coronado library for another good read.Have news to share? Send tips, story ideas or letters to the editor to: [email protected].
