Women At Arms
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have given female soldiers more opportunities than ever before.
A recent New York Times article goes in depth about the changing roles of women in the military:
“Before 2001, America’s military women had rarely seen ground combat. Their jobs kept them mostly away from enemy lines, as military policy dictates.
But the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, often fought in marketplaces and alleyways, have changed that. In both countries, women have repeatedly proved their mettle in combat. The number of high-ranking women and women who command all-male units has climbed considerably along with their status in the military.
‘Iraq has advanced the cause of full integration for women in the Army by leaps and bounds,’ said Peter R. Mansoor, a retired Army colonel who served as executive officer to Gen. David H. Petraeus while he was the top American commander in Iraq. ‘They have earned the confidence and respect of male colleagues.’”
For more information, see the full article here.
To listen to personal stories from female soldiers, see “Women At Arms: In Their Own Words.”
Thanks to Berta in Utah for this find!
Source:
“G.I. Jane Breaks the Combat Barrier” (Lizette Alvarez) The New York Times Online. August 15, 2009