saber964 wrote:Here's s idea to alleviate the 'man' power shortage. I call it.
WINS
Woman's
Imperial
Naval
Service
WINS is a really BAD idea. We're looking to move to a gender-neutral society that's gonna kick some Gbaba butt. Setting up a separate organization will only make it more difficult to integrate the empire's military forces. An officer is an officer. An NCO is an NCO. Does a male enlisted man have to salute a female officer? Is a female captain outranked by a male captain? Merlin and Nimue, and hopefully some members of the Inner Circle, know women have to be integrated into the armed forces. Setting WINS up with a completely separate command structure reinforces the idea that women have to be kept separate.
As the muscle requirement lessens more and more positions will open up for women. Quartermaster is a position mentioned where women can do the same function (replace) as men. Any non-combat slot (for the time being) can be filled by a woman if it does not entail heavy lifting. Separate housing, or separate spaces within buildings or ships can be a problem in some cases. New structures and equipment can be designed with this in mind.
Two other things are needed before integration at a significant level can occur. Birth control has to be developed and integrated into society. Devices to handle a woman's menstrual cycle, feminine napkins and tampons, etc., will have to be developed so a woman is not restricted in her job or location by her menstrual cycle.
Fire away.