Leveraging the Army Vision to Amend the Combat Exclusion Law

摘要

War is an ugly instrument of peace, but sometimes inevitable. Therefore, the military is structured, resourced, and directed to execute that mission should the government deem it necessary, and hopefully as a last resort. The current War on Terrorism provides an opportunity to examine the military in a unique way and evaluate its sufficiency in meeting the needs of commanders in conflict. It is an ideal time to explore the relevance of the combat exclusion rule. This is not a gender issue, although some would make it so, but instead an issue of combat capability. More than any other time, the issue of women in combat has become an important aspect of the nation's ability to execute war. Based on the Army vision statement the re-evaluation of this rule is critical. It is imperative that strategic leaders in the Army leverage the momentum of the current war to illustrate the need to amend this outdated rule, while considering its original intent and the concerns of Congress. It is not only a matter of principle, but more importantly, it is a matter of combat capability, flexibility, and effectiveness.