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Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 1:35 PM
Learning Objective 1: identify at least three problems and successes the new generation of female combatants face.
Learning Objective 2: discuss at least three implications for military, medical/nursing and political policy related to women’s military roles, jobs and combat.
Background and Context: Throughout military history, there have been few womens’ accounts of their experiences, except for those females in healthcare duties. In current military situations, women are manning M60 machine guns on HMMWVs (Humvees), on patrols and performing other functions traditionally allocated for male combatants. To date, few studies have reported the effects or consequences of this unique stress on women in combat. Furthermore, few accommodations have been implemented for these women or special debriefing sessions put into place to facilitate healthy readjustment upon returning home. The phenomenon is simply too new to have been fully explored.
Aim of the Study/Methodology: This study used a participant-observer approach to collect a broad range of data during a deployment from January to May 2005. With command and participant consent, recorded interviews were used to explore the backgrounds, military jobs, stressors and the management of such, health care issues and needs, and recuperative resources for the women serving in the war in Iraq. This method of data collection will also contribute to the historical account of women in the military for future generations, once archived.
Analysis/Findings: This project discovered numerous successes, problems, and potential solutions the new generation of female combatants face. These issues included, but were not limited to women’s need for connection, healthcare issues, equality and job related concerns as well as personal reactions to the experience of war. Fertility concerns, childcare, future physical constraints and sexual assault were also noted as additional anxieties for women. Findings further examined the implications for military, medical/nursing and political policy related to women’s military roles, jobs and combat.
Aim of the Study/Methodology: This study used a participant-observer approach to collect a broad range of data during a deployment from January to May 2005. With command and participant consent, recorded interviews were used to explore the backgrounds, military jobs, stressors and the management of such, health care issues and needs, and recuperative resources for the women serving in the war in Iraq. This method of data collection will also contribute to the historical account of women in the military for future generations, once archived.
Analysis/Findings: This project discovered numerous successes, problems, and potential solutions the new generation of female combatants face. These issues included, but were not limited to women’s need for connection, healthcare issues, equality and job related concerns as well as personal reactions to the experience of war. Fertility concerns, childcare, future physical constraints and sexual assault were also noted as additional anxieties for women. Findings further examined the implications for military, medical/nursing and political policy related to women’s military roles, jobs and combat.