Science & Lifting of Ban on Women in Combat

(Photo Source: USNavySeals.com )

In World War II, the creation of the WAVES and WAC first allowed women to officially serve in non-medical roles in the United States Armed Forces. However, a decision this-past week will finally allow women to officially fight in combat zones, no later than New Year's Day of 2016.

On January 24,  U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced that the 1994 rule that kept women from being assigned to ground combat units would be eliminated.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff modified the 1994 rule last February, opening up more than 14,000 military positions to women. "Subsequently, the Joint Chiefs of Staff reviewed the 1994 Direct Combat Definition and Assignment Rule and they now propose a way forward that will fully integrate women without compromising our readiness, morale, or war-fighting capacity," according to Secretary Panetta's official memorandum.

Public controversy has restricted the role of military women until now. However, scientists have stated that many women are just as capable as men in combat roles.

"US Military to Lift Ban on Women in Combat: Report  (Source: LiveScience.com ):
Link >>> http://www.livescience.com/26524-women-combat-military.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Livesciencecom+%28LiveScience.com+Science+Headline+Feed%29 

Defense Secretary Memorandum Regarding Elimination of 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule (Source: U.S  Department of Defense):
Link >>> http://www.defense.gov/news/WISRJointMemo.pdf

"Traditional 'Sexist' Beliefs Keep Women from Combat, Scientists Say" (Source: LiveScience.com ):
Link >>> http://www.livescience.com/18437-women-military-sexist.html

"Women in Combat As Resilient As Men, Study Finds" (Source: WBUR-FM 90.9, Boston University):
Link >>> http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2011/06/women-in-combat-as-resilient-as-men-study-finds

Source: Friends of the Zeiss.

gaw

Glenn A. Walsh, Project Director,
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