Accession Number:

ADA553212

Title:

Women in the Army - Review of the Combat Exclusion Policy

Descriptive Note:

Strategy Research Project

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

2011-03-24

Pagination or Media Count:

30.0

Abstract:

Recent military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have renewed the debate about the assignment policies of women to combat positions in the United States Armed Forces. A strategic manpower issue for DOD concerns how the services, especially the Army employs women in its operational formations. As a result, the assignment policies for women in the Army are under increased scrutiny. The current policy is unclear and confusing. This vagueness and ambiguity has placed unnecessary stress and burdens of the combat commanders in the field. Additionally, Army transformation efforts and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan enabled the Army to reevaluate its war fighting doctrine as well as its organizational structures. These changes in war fighting doctrine have further highlighted the need to reconsider the policies that govern how women are employed in combat. It is time for the Department of Defense and the United States Congress to change the current combat-exclusion policy and law.

Subject Categories:

  • Sociology and Law
  • Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE