The Army will be allowing female fighters the opportunity to apply for combat unit openings, reveals the Associated Press. It has been considering breaking "down formal barriers" as a result of their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The change is currently undergoing a trial run at nine brigades before it is practiced in the Army as a whole. The AP states that opening combat roles to female soldiers "opens thousands of jobs" to these women.
Col. Val Keaveny Jr., commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team at Fort Campbell said that his troop will be one of the many units "piloting the change". Col. Keaveny emphasized that "Women have served in our Army since the Revolutionary War and they have done phenomenal work and continue to do so today." He added that "There is great talent and now we can have it in the headquarters of infantry, armor and cavalry."
The new law will allow female soldiers and "non-commissioned officers" to be placed in units "below the brigade level". The policy will create around 14,000 new jobs for female officers, but about 250,000 jobs are still men only roles.
Col. Keaveny acknowledged that the policy change will not affect "where women will be located while deployed." He concluded that he does not believe "there's going to be any friction" within his unit.
As far how female soldiers feel about the change, Capt. Elizabeth Evans, a 44-year-old mother of five and one of the first placed in a combat battalion, commented on the change. Evans mentions that her position as a "battalion S1" will involve managing "personnel issues within the battalion, including awards, casualties, human resources and other administrative responsibilities." She added that "I think there's a rich history in the 101st and especially the 4th Brigade Combat Team. To me that means something. It means something to be a part of not necessarily history, but to be a part of a once all-male battalion."
© 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
