Braley Urges Pentagon to Remove Remaining Barriers to Women's Military Service
Military announced review to relax policies last week, but women still face restrictions
Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today urged Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to remove all remaining barriers restricting the service of female members of the US Armed Forces.
Last week, the Department of Defense announced that it was revising its Combat Exclusion Policy to allow women to serve in expanded roles in the military. Braley applauded the move. However, even with the revisions, women will still be prohibited from serving in combat roles.
"The Pentagon's experience in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last decade should forever remove any doubt of the ability of women to serve in military combat roles," Braley said. "Veterans like Tammy Duckworth, who piloted a combat helicopter over Iraq and earned the Purple Heart and Air Medal for her service, to Leigh Ann Hester, who earned the Silver Star for her valor when her convoy was attacked by Iraqi insurgents, to Iowa's own Alex Jansen, who was awarded the Bronze Star for her service in Iraq, have demonstrated the capabilities of women on the battlefield. It's time to remove these barriers once and for all and fully acknowledge that women have a place in the military, serving right alongside men."
The Pentagon's Combat Exclusion Policy has also had the effect of preventing women from climbing the ranks of military leadership. In over 200 years of American military history, only two women have been nominated to 4-star command positions.
Braley made the request in a letter to Secretary Panetta, the text of which follows. A copy of the letter can be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/Qyu
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The Honorable Leon Panetta
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301
Dear Secretary Panetta,
I am writing today to commend the Department of Defense for their recent review of the Combat Exclusion Policy restricting the service of female members of the U.S. Armed Forces. While the decision to loosen the restrictions on women serving in combat is a good step forward, the review can and should go further to remove all of the barriers in place.
The last decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan has proven that women are more than capable of serving in the combat arms. Since 2001, despite standing prohibitions on women in combat, a number of American women have distinguished themselves in combat earning numerous military awards. Female combat pilots, allowed to serve in those roles since the mid-90s, have proven themselves flying sorties in support of operations around the world. Most recently, Female Engagement Teams in Afghanistan have been a vital part of our counterinsurgency effort to better connect with the female civilian population.
The Department's review can and should go further to promote equality by permitting those women who are willing and able to serve in combat roles. The last decade should remove any question on the ability of women to serve and arguments against their service are nothing more than bureaucratic blustering at its worst. Despite claims to the contrary, one needs only look at the list of promotions by the military services to recognize that advancement to the highest echelons of command is tied to experience in the combat arms. In the over 200 years of our nation's history, only two women have been nominated to 4-star command positions. To truly ensure equality in our armed forces, women must be allowed to fight.
I appreciate your attention to this matter, and look forward to your continued work to reform the Department of Defense to ensure that we have the best fighting force that we possibly can, and that we are not turning away qualified and capable warriors for any reason.
Sincerely,
Bruce Braley
Member of Congress
Cc: Dr. Jo Ann Rooney, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
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