Integration of Women into Combat Units
Abstract
Some United States combat units will soon begin to integrate women combatants. An analysis of the likely impact of the integration process is conducted to delineate key concerns for operational commanders. The issue treated here is not whether women should participate in combat, but bow to minimize the disruption that this major organizational change could cause. The spectrum of choices now open to policy makers ranges from minimal changes to a full integration in all military services' combat units. To ensure that their forces maintain combat capability while integrating women, commanders must first gain an understanding of the possible mission impact of the various policy options. Then they must communicate any concerns to policy makers in the Executive Branch and the Department of Defense. They must also begin to prepare for the eventuality of integrating female combatants into at least some combat units. Commanders should advocate minimizing interservice differences, emphasizing qualifications instead of quotas, and preserving their own flexibility in the conduct of wartime operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA249901
Entities
People
- Kathleen M. Conley
Organizations
- Naval War College