This handbook provides a straightforward account of how women have served in combat roles and explains the ongoing controversy surrounding efforts to legalize combat assignments for female service members. Women have been excluded from combat roles for most of American history. During conflicts such as the American Civil War, a few women enlisted as men; in some cases, their identities as women were not discovered until after their deaths. Today, the nontraditional battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan have no clearly defined front lines, and many female soldiers have found themselves face-to-face with the enemy. Yet despite the realities of modern warfare, the subject of women serving in combat roles remains highly controversial. Women in Combat: A Reference Handbook examines the historical background, current dilemmas, and global context of this contentious issue. The author explores both sides of the argument, presenting information from leading sources and gleaned from personal interviews. Statistical data, primary source documents, a directory of organizations, and print and electronic resources offer additional insight.

* Offers insights obtained from exclusive interviews with distinguished long-time female military officers, international scholars, and religious leaders * Contains relevant materials such as the 1988 Risk Rule, Soldier's Creed, Department of Defense ground combat policy, and USC 6015 * Includes biographical information on more than 25 women who have served or are serving in combat positions, as well as advocates and opponents of combat roles for women * Presents a chronology of significant events related to women in the military from 1775 to 2010 * Contains a bibliography of important materials to assist readers in further study of this controversial subject * Provides a glossary defining key military acronyms and terms.