Military experts weigh in on whether women should be serving in combat roles after President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense has voiced his belief that women should not be in combat positions.
Key Points
The debate surrounds whether women should be allowed in combat roles in the military
Experts have differing opinions on the impact of women in combat roles
The discussion includes concerns about physical standards, combat effectiveness, and diversity in units
Pros
Women in combat roles can improve the professionalism of units
Women have proved to be physically and tactically capable leaders and soldiers
Increased diversity in combat units can enhance overall effectiveness
Cons
Some experts believe that women in combat roles can lead to increased risk and complication
Concerns about lowering physical standards to allow more women in combat roles
Studies show integrated male-female units may perform worse in combat