Current DOD and Army policy needs updated to define combat and collocation of women in operations and direct combat on the battlefield. The policies are not clearly understandable. Vague terms, the changing battlefield in the war against terrorism, and modulation of the fighting force makes the policies open for interpretation. Research mandated by the Department of Defense (DOD) identified the need for a revised policy to eliminate confusion with their intent. Commanders will continue to manipulate the policy to fulfill the needs of their mission or until the current battlefield environment forces a change.

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