Women in Combat and the Armed Forces

In approximately 10 years of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, over 283,000 female members have been deployed, over 800 have been wounded and over 130 have died. On numerous occasions women have been recognized for their heroism, two earning Silver Star medals. This outcome has resulted in a renewed interest in Congress, the Administration, and beyond in reviewing and possibly refining or redefining the role of women in the military. This book examines the role of women in combat with a focus on the laws, policies and regulations restricting the service of female members in the U.S. Armed Forces and the perceptions and current operational environment.