Women Warriors: Will General Mark Milley Allow Women in the 75th Ranger Regiment?

Abstract

On January 24^th, 2013, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta issued a memorandum commanding each branch of the military to fully integrate women into more positions. Panetta demanded that if any military position remains closed to women, military leaders must submit a request for exemption by January 1, 2016. Following this policy change, Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley allowed the first class of women to enter Ranger School, one of the most rigorous training programs in the Army. Two of these women, Kristen Griest and Shaye Haver, graduated in August of 2015. As the deadline approaches, Milley considers whether or not he will allow Griest and Haver to serve as Army Rangers, the next step in the career of most soldiers who graduate from Army Ranger School. Milley has stated that he remains conflicted about his upcoming decision. Many academic scholars, military personnel, and members of the American public hold strong opinions concerning the service of women in combat positions. Milley will consider these positions before making his final decision in January 2016. These perspectives include consideration of the physical capabilities of women, their effect on unit cohesion, sexual harassment of women, women’s health and hygiene, and other issues of equality.