Today's nonlinear battlefield does not allow for the distinction between direct ground combat and operations in support of combat. Women are critical in meeting the requirements of a military that is supported by an all volunteer force. Women comprise more than 15% of the military population and are serving in hazardous duty areas alongside their male counterparts. In today's full spectrum operations, military leaders must be allowed to utilize and employ all service members based on their skills and qualifications regardless of their gender. This paper will review the Department of Defense Combat Exclusion Policy, address current initiatives aimed at changing the policy, discuss how the military is utilizing females on the battlefield in support of counterinsurgency operations, and provide recommendations for the institutionalization of women in combat roles that will capitalize on the experience gained in the utilization of female engagement teams on the battlefield.

"13 March 2012"--P. [ii].

DoD combat exclusion policy background -- Case study : female engagement teams -- Formalization of female engagement team training programs -- Assessing the effectiveness of female engagement teams -- Common considerations for the effective utilization of FETs -- The future of female engagement teams.