What is the Role of Women in Today's Military?

For the past three years, most of the American public has supported the young men and women of the Armed Forces as they have packed up and gone to war. In that time at least 22 women have died honorably serving their country. Although the public may not approve of the deaths of their young women, they do not question why women are there when they believe in the cause for which these women soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines are fighting. So far, that has been the case. The women serving in todays military know the risks and are proud to serve their country. They have been trained in the same manner as their male counterparts and are capable of accomplishing the same mission. It is time for the Department of Defense to take another look at the rule and definition of combat, changing the definition to allow for women to temporarily fill billets that may put them in direct contact with the enemy. This will not be a change from the current actions that women are performing, simply a change in wording to permit these women to do their jobs. It is time for a change. Not a drastic one, but one that fits the current situation and the commendable actions that are being taken by todays military women.