Women in Combat: What Next?
Abstract
The future for women in the military will very likely include serving in combat units. It appears that the combat exclusion laws which currently bar women from these positions will be eliminated. This should cause the combat commander to ask himself a number of questions. What impact will women have on operational planning? Can the integration of women into combat units be achieved without impairing unit effectiveness? What kinds of changes must be made to make this transition? What is clear is that integrating women into combat units will require prior planning by combat commanders. Among other things, Commanders of women military personnel will have to consider deployment issues, coalition partners, pregnancy, unit cohesion, strength issues, sexual harassment and fraternization policies, socialization issues, and political and career pressures to make it work. Dealing with these changes will require strong leadership imperatives; the placement of the right person in the right job; implementation of clear, enforceable policies; and an awareness that success depends on innovative, unemotional thinking and realistic planning. Commanders need to start preparing now for the future. Women in Combat; Combat Exclusion Laws; Military Women.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA250268
Entities
People
- Debra L. Mowery
- Diana W. Smith
Organizations
- Naval War College