NPR: Women in Combat

Women in Combat



Since 2002, women have served nearly 170,000 tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and make up about 10 percent of U.S. forces in those two conflicts. All Things Considered is examines the expanding role of women in the military.

In this Series



Part 1: Roles for Women in U.S. Army Expand
October 1, 2007 · Pentagon rules dictate that women may not be assigned to ground combat units. But the nature of the Iraq war has led to a blurring of distinction between front-line and rear areas, and more women are finding themselves in the thick of battle.




Part 2: Stories from On the Ground in Iraq
October 2, 2007 · Sgt. Griselda Benavides and Lance Cpl. Mary Carnes of the U.S. Marines, and Army Staff Sgt. Laurie Perez Hawkins have all served in Iraq. They share their experiences in a war zone and their thoughts on the service of women in the military.




Part 3: Two Opposing Views on Women in Combat
October 3, 2007 · Current Pentagon policy that excludes women from ground combat units dates back to 1994. An opponent of women in combat say that rule is being violated, while a Pentagon official says the policy remains relevant and reasonable today.



Part 4: Cases of Sexual Assault Rise
October 4, 2007 · Since 2002, a nonprofit group has received 976 reports of sexual assault from military women serving in the area that includes Iraq and Afghanistan. That number is growing. Meanwhile, little punitive action has been taken against assailants.




Part 5: Female Soldier Reflects on Injuries, Service
October 5, 2007 · In November 2006, Army Spc. Sue Downes lost both of her legs after the truck she was traveling in hit anti-tank mines in Afghanistan. Downes shares her thoughts about her injuries, her recovery and her love of military service.

fatal casualties.

Like your posting, there does not seem to be a strong interest in this gender aspect of the Iraq/Afghanistan WAR.

Often-times I think; The only way to redirect the public attention away from their materialistic interests such as the McMansions, SUVs etc is to directly involve ALL Americans in this WAR.

Revive the Military Draft and include both genders (male and female).

Draft up to the new age limit of 42 (forty two).

If it is possible, determine the political orientation of these draftees and DRAFT REPUBLICANS first.

in lives or dollars.

Our volunteer force is almost used up. Standards have been lowered and in some cases, ignored. Recruiting scandals are coming at a regular pace. Suicides are up to 5,000 a year.

Our dollars are used up. The Air Force is not getting any more C-17s or F-22s next year. The Navy's LCS program is canceled. My grandkids (assuming the planet does not melt down first) will be paying for this adventure for many years to come.