Women in Combat: Concerns of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Rated Male and Female Aircrew

Abstract

The issue of women flying military aircraft in a combat role has been very controversial. We conducted a comprehensive survey, via anonymous questionnaire, of all U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force rated female aircrew, with an equal number of age- and duty-matched male aircrew. Here we report on the women in combat section of the questionnaire: should women be allowed to fly aircraft on combat missions? if allowed to do so, should they have the option of doing so? The great majority of women (87%) felt that they should be allowed to fly aircraft on combat missions, whereas only 41% of the men agreed. If women were allowed to fly in combat, both genders felt that women should be forced to do so on an equal basis with the men. Major concerns were that there be no quotas, that combat slots be opened to the best qualified, and prisoner-of-war concerns. Many women opined that they should not be forced to go into combat because they believe men are not forced to do so. There seemed to be a great deal of animosity between men and women concerning women flying in combat.