For all practical purposes I am in my seventh decade and was in the poor bloody infantry back aways and yes, I did get shot at and that sort of thing. I am not a virgin in that respect (or many others).

In combat you fight not for your country, your flag, peace, or anything intangible. You fight for several reasons, but it comes down to 1) your survival, and 2) the survival of your comrades (now known as "battle buddies). "Survival" has many faces and includes the good opinion of others and yourself about you.

Anyone who failed their comrades, male or female, would have to live with themselves (at the very least). A mistake or two might be forgiven, but not baring an equitable share is not.

As long as someone can do the job it doesn't matter who or what they are.