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The Iraq War

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Are women in the military more vulnerable in combat? Betty A report on the role of women in the Iraq War and in previous conflicts. 04.17.03

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Congress debated the role of female soldiers in combat zones last week, resulting in legislation that would allow women to continue serving in Army units supporting ground fighting forces but would require the Pentagon to get congressional approval for future changes.

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Representative John McHugh, a Republican from New York, originally proposed an amendment that would have barred women from jobs that provide supply, logistical and other support to frontline troops, which could have affected about 22,000 positions open to women in "forward support companies."

"We want women to serve everywhere, except in ground combat," he told The New York Times.

A compromise amendment finally made it into the bill that authorizes next year's $441.6 billion Defense Department budget. It would require the military to get congressional approval before it makes changes that put women in new direct combat roles.

The full House and Senate must still approve the measure before President Bush can sign it into law.

The debate over women in combat intensified following what was generally seen as the positive performance of women in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

In 1994 what was known as "the risk rule" was rescinded and women, formerly excluded from any job that directly exposed them to hostile fire or capture, were able to work some 80 percent of all jobs in the military, even in support units alongside combat units.

Women cannot serve in armor, Special Forces, field artillery and combat engineer units, but they can fly attack helicopters and attack aircraft that provide close air support for them.

Women can serve in "forward support companies," (FSCs) which provide supplies, maintenance services and medical support to ground combat units. And they can serve in transportation companies that do not have specific fighting responsibilities but that, in places like Iraq or Afghanistan, have routinely come under enemy fire as they perform their missions.

More than 9,000 women are presently serving in Iraq. They make up 14.6 percent of the active Army, 12.8 percent of the Army National Guard and 23.5 percent of the Army Reserves.

Of the 32 women soldier deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan 22 were hostile. They included military police officers, a supply specialist, truck drivers, a food service operator and a lawyer.

Supporters of the amendment say that the military is not clear on its women in combat policies and that the uncertainty puts women in situations that are too risky.

"The Army is confused. They're all over the place on this one," Republican Representative Duncan Hunter from California told CNN.

Some Democrats voiced opposition to the amendment, saying it is offensive to the military service of women.

"I think we are all wincing. This degrades the service of our women," Democratic Representative Ellen Tauscher of California told Reuters.

The debate over women in combat positions in the military is not unique to the United States.

Israel requires all Jewish women (and men) to serve in the military, although combat positions are voluntary. Arab Israelis may volunteer but are not obligated.

Germany, Canada, Denmark and Norway also allow women to serve in combat units in various capacities.

-- Annie Schleicher, Online NewsHour

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