Women in the militaryWASHINGTON – New orders from the Pentagon: The military on Thursday formally opened thousands of jobs to women in units that are closer to the front lines than ever before, reflecting what’s already been going on as female American soldiers fight and die next to their male comrades.
The new rules, affecting thousands of jobs, will break down more of the official barriers that have restricted the military positions women can take. They’re being sent to Congress, and if lawmakers take no action after 30 work days the policy will take effect.
The changes still aren’t coming fast enough for some in Congress or the military. They noted that the rules still ban women from serving as infantry, armor and special operations forces, which are considered the most dangerous combat jobs.
Instead, they reflect what’s been happening for the past 10 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will allow women to perform many of the jobs they are already doing – but in smaller units, closer to the fighting and once considered too dangerous.
“Unfortunately, the conclusions of this report do not go far enough,” said Rep. Loretta Sanchez, a member of the House Armed Services Committee who started a caucus on women in the military. Sanchez said she was “very disappointed” that the Defense Department didn’t lift the ban on combat jobs for women.