Women in Combat Roles: Past and Future

Abstract

Public law restricts female members of the Air Force from duty in aircraft engaged in combat missions. To implement this law, the Air Force has published a regulation which outlines combat exclusions affecting the assignment and utilization of Air Force military women. This Air War College Special Interest Item Study analyzes US law and Air Force policy trends in response to sociological forces. It also summarizes current international laws and policies governing the use of women in combat roles today. To add perspective, a thorough history of women's combat experience worldwide is presented together with a discussion of American cultural attitudes and a review of common concerns surrounding the use of women in combat roles. The study concludes with a forecast of the need for a change in Air Force policy and the prospects for a change in the law.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA202611

Entities

People

  • Marion E. Oelke
  • Richard J. Vogt

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Civil War
  • Employment
  • Flight Training
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Aviation
  • Military Force Levels
  • Military Pilots
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Tanker Aircraft
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.