. Thesis statement: Since the American Revolutionary War in 1775 up until Operation Freedom Sentinel being fought in the middle east since 2015, women have held significant roles on and off the battlefield. They served in support and combat roles alongside men.
II. Introduction- Since the American Revolutionary War in 1775 up until Operation Freedom Sentinel in 2015; women have held significant positions on and off the battle field. They served in support and combat roles alongside men. Contrary to popular belief, women have contributed much success in war from Molly Pitcher in the American Revolutionary War and Sara Edmonds who disguised herself as a man in order to fight in the Civil War. However, it is the negative stereotypes, such as, “women aren’t as strong as men” that undermines the physical and mental capabilities that once disqualified women from combat positions. The Combat Exclusion Policy was implemented in 1994 prohibiting females from combat positions. Thus, has been removed in 2015 by General Martin Dempsey, former U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Leon Panetta, former U.S. Secretary of Defense. Despite the ban being lifted, women continue to face backlash for wanting to pursue combat positions now open to all.
III. Unit Cohesion- Excluding women from combat based on their sex violates military equal opportunity policy and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 .
a. Physical and psychological problems
1. Women in the military wear the same load bearing equipment and fire same weapon identical to their male counterpart but cannot .
2. Some agents lead to psychological reactions including disorientation and hallucinations.
b. Equal Opportunity
1. Gender segregation in the work place defies military equal opportunities policy.
2. The U.S. Army has developed a gender-neutral physical fitness test that measures strength and endurance to dispute gender bias claim.
c. Job Opportunity- Excluding women from combat positions limits job opportunities.
1. Those in power are predominately male. For example, the Army reported in fiscal year 2018 that there were 12 four-star generals’ and 0 females.
2. Prior to the removal of the Combat Exclusion Policy, women held jobs as nurses, human resource specialist, culinary specialist, motor transport operator and anything that is non-combat related.
IV. History- Women have fought in war since the American Revolution War in 1775 both in support and combat roles.
a. Casualty rate
1. Congressional Research Service reported 167 females who were killed in combat since 2001.
2. Women have died in combat since the American Revolution but fail to receive recognition for their role in combat.
b. Ranger School
1. Captain Shaye Lynne Haver and Captain Kristen Griest are the first two females to graduate from Army Ranger School all while adhering to the male standard.
2. Captain Griest voluntarily carried a 17-pound machine gun from male “Ranger buddy” who was suffering from extreme fatigue when other males refused to take the machine gun.
c. Culture
1. During a search and seize, having a female soldier is preferred to conduct searches on women in Muslim countries because it is against their culture to have their wives touched by another man.
2. While fighting overseas, this proves that women are needed to solve problems that culturally wrong to
V. Conclusion – Furthermore, prohibiting women from combat roles is a violation of the 14th Amendment that states “nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” (1868, Section 1) This guarantees every citizen of the United States equal right for both men and women. Prior to the lift of the Combat Exclusion Policy in 2015; women were limited to job opportunities and promotion. Today, majority of those in high position in the military are men who have served in combat positions. Allowing women to perform in combat roles encourages unit cohesion in the military and allows for esprit de corps.