Living Legends and Full Agency

Chapter 12 Impact of the Combat Exclusion Policy on the Recruitment, Promotion, and Retention of Women in the Military

Overwhelmingly, the 17 women profiled in this book stated at the time of their interviews that repealing the combat exclusion policy would be a positive move for the recruitment, promotion, and retention of women in the military, although some cautioned that, given the implementation of policy changes of this magnitude, its success will be hinged on leadership to convey a clear and consistent message. Some, like Brigadier General Wilma Vaught, also warned that the effects of repealing the combat exclusion policy on the recruitment, promotion, and retention of women might not be immediate. For example, Brigadier General Vaught ...