U.S. military loosens rules on women in combat units

With women serving in combat roles and in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon is announcing some small changes to the policy that opens 14000 new jobs to women mostly in the Army and Marine Corp.

The new roles will not however open women to serve in infantry units and armor units or special forces.

The Pentagon will continue to review possibilities in the future, as the general combat ban remains in effect.

It appears that the Navy and Air Force has the least restrictions.

This sensitive issue has many opinions.

An increase in combat positions will increase the opportunities for promotions otherwise not usually available.


Thursday, February 9, 2012 23:21 EST -- The Raw Story

...Since 2001, about 280,000 American women have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, about 12 percent of all troops who deployed, with 144 female troops killed in the wars, including 79 in combat, according to the Pentagon.

“It’s a baby step,” said Donna McAleer, a graduate of the military academy at West Point and author who has called for repealing the combat ban.

Opponents of allowing women in ground combat argue that they lack the required physical strength, that their presence could prove disruptive to the “cohesion” of combat units and that mothers should not be placed in harm’s way.

But advocates say the military’s experience in Iraq and Afghanistan has shown otherwise.

Officials said Thursday the new policy would also encourage the armed services to develop “gender neutral” physical standards for jobs, which might eventually lead to easing current restrictions on women’s roles.

The policy change comes months after the US military ended a ban on openly gay troops serving in uniform, following years of political debate and a survey of troops.

Women in Combat

Yet another big step towards a full draft.

You think they allowed gays in the military because they want people to have more rights? PLEASE.

All that matters to them is MORE CANNON FODDER.

Were champions of democracy......yet our armies are rigid oligarchies stuck in centuries old feudalism. Hmmmm, doesnt really add up now does it.

reply to post by Vitchilo


A full draft cannot happen until women are required to file for selective service. Something that should be required but as of yet is not. However this is a good step in the right direction as far as equality in the military goes. It isn't full out combat yet enough to allow the military to learn how to better deal with and train for the male/female issues in combat situations.