Combatant Vs. Auxiliary Roles
The roles of combatant and auxiliary ships can overlap. An aircraft carrier's roles start with the traditional auxiliary roles of transport (of aircraft) and replenishment (of her battle group), but the ability to launch her aircraft for offensive strikes or defensive air cover makes her a prime combatant. The difference between a combatant amphibious assault ship and an auxiliary troop ship, both of which carry troops, is the organic ability to land the troops under combat conditions with landing craft or helicopters. Unarmed supply, research, and rescue submarines are properly auxiliaries.
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“Modern women are squeezed between the devil and the deep blue sea, and there are no lifeboats out there in the form of public policies designed to help these women combine their roles as mothers and as workers.”
—Sylvia Ann Hewitt (20th century)