Women in Combat: More Than Just Roles

Peter Hegseth, a potential pick for Secretary of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump, recently sparked debate with his stance on women in combat. He believes women shouldn't be in these roles, but is he missing the bigger picture? Historically, women have indeed served in various combat-like positions, though under different titles. In 2013, then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta opened all combat roles to women, responding to potential legal battles and the need for inclusion. Women passed training schools, like Ranger School, under the same physical standards as men. But Congress has been a hurdle, especially with the Army Combat Fitness Test, which they altered to reintroduce sex-based standards. Women want to serve and meet the standards, so it's crucial for leadership to support them. A step back now would lead to complications and potential lawsuits.