Policy Briefing Regarding Women in Combat Positions

Policy Briefing Regarding Women in Combat Positions

Women in the military can be as effective in combat as their male counterparts, however policies need to be in place to address issues inherent in the argument, such as physical strength and pregnancy.

Women have a long history as participants in battle.

Joan of Arc successfully led 1429 French men in battle against the English

Women often disguised themselves as men and participated in the Revolutionary and Civil wars.

In 1942 separate military duties and roles for women were established.

Women were no longer allowed to pilot aircraft.

Women were restricted from potentially hostile situations.

Recent legislation has caused the position on women's roles in combat to be re-examined.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ensures all individuals are treated equally before the law with respect to civilian employment, does not apply to the military profession.

In 1992, the Defense Authorization Act repealed the combat exclusion law for women in the Navy and Air Force.

In 1993 President Clinton ended combat exclusion for women on combatant ships.

In 1994, a new policy allowed women to serve with some ground combat troops.

Women currently account for a highest percentage of military personnel than ever before.

Even though the government has mandated that women not be excluded from any position due to gender, many military officials are still reluctant to place women in potentially dangerous positions.

Women are currently excluded from the draft, a decision that was upheld in Rockster V Goldberg (1981).

Even with the legislation in place, the U.S. Marine Corps still excludes women from 39% of total available positions.

Several major issues divide people into two opposing sides.

One key argument is whether biological differences, both physically and emotionally play a role in unit safety.

Men of different races are held to the same standards as every other man, regardless of race, whereas women are not held to the same physical standards as their male counterparts.

Pregnancy could jeopardize unit effectiveness.

Research has demonstrated that women do effect the deployability of military units.

During Desert Shield and Desert Storm 56% became pregnant before deployment.