Women in the military

For most people, the military is a place for men. In fact, the Philippine Military Academy is dominated by males. But women are starting to find their place in the military too. More and more women are joining the PMA. It was said that in 2005, a good 1000 out of the 6000 applicants to the PMA are women.

What comes into your mind when you hear the word military? I bet you think of tough men in uniform, muscular bodies, guns and ammunition. The military is very important because they are tasked to protect us, the citizens of the Philippines. Without them, there would be more chaos in the country.

For most people, the military is a place for men. In fact, the Philippine Military Academy is dominated by males. But women are starting to find their place in the military too. More and more women are joining the PMA. It was said that in 2005, a good 1000 out of the 6000 applicants to the PMA are women. These women were also said to excel in their assignments, either in combat or in staff positions in various military units. One of those women is Imee (not her real name).

Imee has been in the military service since the year 2000. She is a secretary in one of the offices. She said that she enjoys her job. “I have no complains on being a military officer. I am enjoying this job now and I am happy to be a part of it,” she said.

She, however, added that it is not easy being a woman in a profession that is considered to be a man’s world.

“Of course, we all know that for us women, it is very hard to do what men do, especially in the military. We find it difficult because a man’s strength is different from that of a woman,” she said.

Linda (not her real name), a sergeant for six years now, trains side by side with her male counterparts. She has experienced crawling in the mud and getting punishments.

“Even if the training is very hard, you can still enjoy it. Just think positive and enjoy what you have,” she said.

 Republic Act No. 7192 or the ‘’Women in Development and Nation Building Act’’ promotes the integration of women as full and equal partners of men in development and nation building. This means that men and women are treated the same. Our country now has laws that provide women the same opportunities as men. This clearly shows that women should not be underestimated. Women can do anything if they just believe in themselves.