Women in combat : attitudes and experiences of U.S. Military Officers and Enlisted personnel

Abstract

This study examines the attitudes and experiences of a selected group of U.S. military members regarding the service of women in combat. A survey was administered in October 2001 to enlisted personnel at the Defense Language Institute and to officers at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. A total of 276 enlisted personnel and 550 officers participated in the survey, with response rates of 69 percent and 55 percent, respectively. Focus groups were also convened. Respondents represented all military services, but were concentrated in certain pay grades and occupational areas (especially for enlisted personnel). Generally, four out of five respondents felt that women should serve in some capacity in military combat. Further, one-third of all respondents believed that qualified women should be allowed to volunteer for combat units, while one-third said they were satisfied with the policy in effect at the time of the survey (allowing women in all units except infantry, armor, submarines, and special forces). Differences in attitudes and experiences were found between men and women, officers and enlisted personnel, and members of the different branches of service. It is recommended that further research explore the use of gender-neutral standards in assigning military personnel to combat units.