Throughout the history of America, wars fought and won or lost by the troops have always been a critical and highly advertised part of society. Since the American military was first established by Congress on September 29, 1789, soldiers have bee volunteering and, at times, drafted into the service of the Country.
Now, it seems that while women have spread into many parts of the American military system, they are now going to spread into areas concerning close combat.
This ban was formed back in 1994 that prevented women from entering close combat positions in the military.
Despite this ban, many women moved into other areas of the military and excelled on various levels that do bring them in harm's way from time to time but are not a part of the combat roles.
In a http://www.foxnews.com article entitled "Military leaders lift ban on women in combat roles", Defense Secretary Leon Panetta
'...argued that women, who already make up 15 percent of the force, ave increasingly found themselves in the "reality of combat" during Iraq and Afghanistan. He said not everyone can meet the qualifications to be a combat solider but that everyone is entitled the opportunity.'
With this ban being lifted, it is not to be an immediate change in policy but a gradual one. Military services like the Army and the Marines will be presenting plans on May 16th of this year for changes to allow women while other branches of the military will have till 2016 to present what branches they consider to be exempt from the lifted ban.
While the military slowly worked towards this change, they are all ready preparing for a few things to not change in the way women are regarded in the military. Women do hold some high ranks in other military positions; however, the http://www.washingtonpost.com article called "From women in combat to top brass" stated the military understands that despite previous accomplishments
'...doubt about women's performance in combat by high-ranking veterans and discomfort by some male troops about taking orders from female superiors are sure to continue to exist in some capacity.'
Will such doubt and discomfort keep the men in the military from fully accepting women in the military and superior roles? Time will be the judge of what issues, if any, will come into the forefront.
For now, the American military will now join other nations like Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, and Israel who have opened up close combat military roles to women.
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