65

Mixed-sex units are a development that has paradoxical results. The contemporary reality of war amidst a general population has made it possible to objectively analyze the implications on performance of introducing women into operations. It shows us that, far from preliminary imaginings and fantasies, the situation is balanced, or rather considerably improved, when women are introduced, making the most of their own qualities. Probably the least expected aspect is that investigating the suitability of women in a mountain-infantry battalion involves focusing on the force’s social responsibility and its ability in the future to meet the far-reaching aspirations of soldiers, both men and women, who wish to bring together their professional and family lives.