I saw a good bit of discussion in another thread regarding the topic. And I know it is a conversation that we have pretty regularly on this subreddit, but I wanted to pose one question in particular.

Now, I don't know if we have women who have actually been on subs frequenting this sub, but I know we have a few who have at least thought about it, and anyone's relevant opinion would be welcome! The question is this "Would serving on a submarine that had more women on it, or was PRIMARILY women, make you more or less enthused with the idea staying in the sub surface?". My thinking here was regarding the reported low retention rates, would having more women on the boat (30%, 50%, 100% whatever) significantly affect you choice one way or the other.

Regardless of the issues with berthing, privacy, ect.; would an environment shaped more by female's be desired? I have had the pleasure of serving with several women who I would describe as great sailors, ahead of many (or most) of their male counterparts in my short service in the navy. I have also had the pleasure of serving alongside women in different branches. One interesting thing I found to be a prevalent factor with all of them was that they did not necessarily want more females in the division, platoon, ect.

While they were enthusiastic about ensuring that females suffered no negative impact based on their gender, they likewise were pretty happy working in an environment where they didn't fell like they had to content with the social expectations of other females. Now I will say that they did get along with the OTHER women in the shop who felt the same way for the most part.

I believe that even in a situation were you would have a crew 100% capable of treating each other with the respect due any other human being/shipmate regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or what have you, there is still going to be a jarring difference in how people act and respond in an all male group/heavily male group vs. an all female group/heavily female group.

I know there is an array of integration problems we are facing with women and submarines, I am curious if the overall demographic needs to change to facilitate the new model, or if women as a minority contingent of the crew will be fine as long as the issues with berthing, hygiene, and social dynamics are properly addressed.

I hope this hasn't managed to be quite so long winded as to drive off and equitable and varied discussion. (I make no apologies for my previous post)