Women not clamoring to enter combat arms fields

Jim Michaels | USA TODAY

Women are not clamoring to join the infantry and other so-called combat arms specialties despite Pentagon orders to allow them to enter the fields next year.

"Overall we find that generally the propensity is low," Gen. David Perkins, commander of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command, said at a meeting of defense writers Tuesday. "There aren't a lot that want to do it."

An extensive U.S. Army study is underway to determine the physical requirements for the combat arms fields, which includes infantry, armor and other ground combat jobs that have been closed to women.

The study will allow the Army to establish tests to screen men and women who want to enter such positions. The Army also surveyed women in the military and potential recruits to gauge their level of interest.

Perkins did not specify the percentage of women interested but indicated it was low, adding the interest level of men in combat arms is also fairly minor.

The U.S. experience is expected to be similar to Canada's armed forces which opened all occupations to women in 1989. Women make up about 2.6% of the infantry in Canada's active and reserve components.

Women in the U.S. military have been exposed to combat regularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, but they are currently banned from serving in most combat arms fields, which generally require extensive physical strength and endurance.

Decisions about how to proceed will be made before the end of the year. Under the new order, if any of the services want to keep some specialties closed to women they will need a waiver from the Pentagon.

A low interest level among women could complicate the process of gender integration once the process begins. Women will be needed to act as instructors and mentors in the newly opened fields.

Ranger School, one of the Army's most physically demanding training courses, was recently opened to women. To help make the process run smoothly the Army brought in female advisers to assist the staff with the changes.