Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS)

The Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services DACOWITS advises the Department of Defense DoD on policies and matters, including family issues, that affect the recruitment, retention, and well-being of highly qualified military women. At present, women comprise 16 percent of the enlisted ranks and 19 percent of the officer corps. More than half of Active duty, National Guard, and Reserves forces are married, and while the decision to enlist is often a personal one, the decision to remain is usually a family decision. Today, these decisions are made in a war context in which the Global War on Terrorism GWOT has intensified the demands and dangers of military life. DACOWITS seeks to provide DoD with recommendations on how to recruit, retain, and provide for the well-being of the highly qualified military necessary to defend our nation in light of changing demographics and the important role women and families play in todays military. In 2004, DACOWITS continued its 2003 review of policies and matters in the areas of retention and deployment and added a third area of immediate concern sexual assault in the military. To facilitate the development of informed and timely recommendations, DACOWITS conducted focus groups at military installations worldwide, drawing on data and research from academic literature, military survey research, and briefings and presentations from military and civilian subject matter experts. The Committees recommendations are summarized in this Executive Summary and are addressed in greater detail in the report.