Thursday, November 06, 2008

Women in Combat - "Lioness"


How did a group of female support soldiers-mechanics, supply clerks and engineers-end up fighting alongside the Marines in some of the bloodiest counterinsurgency battles of the Iraq war? Find out in Lioness, a film about female combat veterans.

From Meg and Daria, "We are thrilled to announce that Lioness will air nationally this week on Independent Lens/PBS. Most stations will be airing the film on Thursday November 13th at 9 pm but check your local listings as date/time may vary. Please tune in and help us spread the word!

Tuesday is Veterans Day, when we acknowledge those who have served in the military. This year there seems to be a lot of interest in talking about women veterans. We are happy to join this growing national conversation. You can see us on CNN's American Morning tomorrow bright and early. We will also be talking about women veterans and their issues on public radio, including on WBUR's On Point from 10 - 11 am (EST) and on KQED's Forum at 9 am (PST). The women in our film will be featured in a piece on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric on Tuesday evening. Finally, check out our video oped on the New York Times website; it will post Tuesday morning."

Post your thoughts about the film here or you can talk back by going to http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/lioness/talkback.html. Also visit the website, http://www.lionessthefilm.com/, and post a comment.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

First impressions are sometimes the truest ones. My initial reaction to watching the clips of the Lioness team was "Dang, I'm impressed. These women are tough!" Resourceful, brave, determined, competent and dedicated were other words that came to mind. After watching, and reading, much more about the things that these female soldiers are being asked to do in the current military situations, more negative feelings crept in. You can't tell from watching the clips, that these women were sent into combat situations with only defensive training. Or that their inclusion in these operations are technically against Army regulations and therefore not officially supported or acknowledged. It was made clear that their contributions are vital to the operations, but still, against the rules!

When "the rules" are interfering with the function of an organization, then it's evidently time to change them! These soldiers are so obviously willing, capable and committed to serve. Our military needs to give them the training they need, and all the support and recognition that any soldier deserves.

Still, my initial impression is the strongest. I'm impressed by these women. I will order a DVD, not only to support them, but to show to my nephews and nieces. It will be a great opportunity to make them more aware of what's going on in our military. And to remind them how great American women can be!

Anonymous said...

To be called in by a superior officer and asked if you want to volunteer for a mission seems like it would be wonderful. To not be properly trained for that mission is a travesty. To not be acknowledged by the Armed Forces for service in combat because of current regs, inexcusable! Thanks to the women of Team Lioness for their service and keep getting the message out. Combat is changing, the United States Armed forces need to keep up, and do the right thing for these brave soldiers.

Sojack.blogspot.com said...

Thanks anonymous for your comments. You've pretty much summed up how I feel about this issue. Glad you posted. Sojack.

Sojack.blogspot.com said...

That is not to say I don't want others to post their thoughts about this. Please, keep posting. If not here, on other sites.