1. Define the following as used in the article:
unprecedented
exception
waiver

2. What were the results of a recent Marine Corps study on integrating women into combat units? Be specific.

3. Why has this study raised concerns?

4. What have Obama administration officials said their intent is for women in the military?

5. How will the findings from this study affect the decisions military brass make on women in combat?

6. a) How were the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq fought?
b) Should this be considered when opening infantry positions to female soldiers? Explain your answer.
c) What problems do you think might occur with this type of warfare?

7. The summary of the Marine study quotes a 1992 report from the Presidential Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces. That was the last time the government studied the effect of gender integration on ground combat units. According to that commission, winning a war is sometimes "only a matter of inches." Back then, that commission concluded:

"... unnecessary distraction or any dilution of the combat effectiveness puts the mission and lives in jeopardy. Risking the lives of a military unit in combat to provide career opportunities or accommodate the personal desires or interests of an individual, or group of individuals, is more than bad military judgment. It is morally wrong."

What do you think? Explain your answer.