Essay on Women Serving in Combat Roles in the Military

It is worthwhile to reflect on the social and political advancements of women during the past one hundred years. Women now have the right to vote and to own property. They let their voices be heard instead of sitting silently in the kitchen. Women hold jobs previously restricted to men - police officer, firefighter, construction worker, doctor, truck driver and scientist. Obviously, this list is not all inclusive. Unfortunately, there is still one area that remains restricted to women. Women have assisted the military forces as far back as the Revolutionary War and yet there remains positions that women are excluded from. Female military personnel, having proven their ability to handle combat situations and having†¦show more content†¦This permitted women to fill combat-support positions, at least for the duration of World War II. Greater progress came after World War II with the Womens Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. This would be the first time that women we re permitted to serve in the military during peace-time. However, each branch had a two percent limit on the number of women that could be enlisted at any one time, and promotions were very restricted (Valceanu 22). Certainly, this shows advancement for women in the military, but it was merely due to the shortage of men available for military duty. Equality for women in the military was definitely not a consideration at this time. While women would also serve during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, there was little progress until the 1970s. In 1972, women comprised only two percent of all military personnel, ninety percent of which were in traditional female medical and administrative positions (Binkin 10). It would appear that there was very little progress during the twenty-three years since the passage of the Womens Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. The restrictions placed on the number of women enlistments, combined with the militarys attitude toward women, create d an impasse that would prove difficult to break through. The Equal Rights Amendment would turn these military issues into political ones, and women would begin toShow MoreRelatedEssay Women in Combat1323 Words   |  6 PagesThe United States military views its diverse force as one of its greatest assets. Senior Air Force leaders recognize the monumental contributions both men and women make in support of their country daily. Americans serving in any branch of service know it is not a nine-to-five job but rather a calling. It is about being a part of the Profession of Arms. Airmen are warriors. 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