The purpose of this study is to recommend ways gender considerations and gender mainstreaming can be advanced in military operations. To accomplish this end, the study reviews international, national and campaign level policy regarding Women, Peace and Security. Next, a case study of Female Engagement Teams and Cultural Support Teams in Afghanistan is conducted to examine the contributions, and make recommendations for improving the capability. Finally, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's policy for integrating gender considerations in operations via gender advisors is considered for implementation in the United States military. The study provides recommendations for advancing gender considerations in operations that includes: United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and gender education for United States military forces, Female Engagement Teams capability and utilization education for commands, establishing Female Engagement Teams proponency and implementing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's model of gender advisors.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)