Story: House Bill Would Restrict Role Of Women In Combat: 05/23/05
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june05/combat_5-23.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What did Congress debate last week in regards to the military?

2. What was the original amendment?

3. What was the final amendment? Is it a law?

4. What is "the risk rule" and why is important to women in the military?

5. What kind of jobs can women in the military perform?

6. How many women soldiers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan? What kind of jobs did they do?

7. In what countries do women serve in combat positions?

Discussion Questions (more research might be needed):

1. Do you think women should serve in combat positions? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.

2. Should Congress or the Defense Department decide what role women should play in the military? Explain your answer.

3. How has warfare changed in recent history? How have changes - for example, no frontline in the fighting in Iraq-effected what soldiers do and how they do it?

Send your answers, in essay form, to extra@newshour.org for possible publication!