Four servicewomen sue to challenge exclusion of women from combat
They are basically already serving in combat, but don't get training, recognition, pay or benefits associated with combat.
Servicewomen Sue To Challenge Exclusion Of Women From Combat: News: SFAppeal
The four Army and Marine Corps and Air National Guard officers, who are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, say the policy violates their constitutional right to equal treatment.
They are asking for a court order overturning the exclusion.
The lawsuit alleges that because battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan lack clear boundaries and front lines, women are in effect already serving in combat.
But the policy denies them combat training as well as recognition and promotions for their service, and deprives the military of their talents by causing women to leave, the lawsuit states.
"The combat exclusion policy is based on outdated stereotypes of women and ignores the realities of the modern military and battlefield conditions," the lawsuit alleges.
