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What the Marines Learned About Opening Military Combat Roles to Women

1,726 views · Published 5 February 2016 · 6:17 · Indexed 22 October 2026

Channel: Senator Mike Lee · 2016 · News & Politics

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In a hearing at the Senate Armed Services Committee this morning, I discussed the integration of American women into combat roles in our military with senior Department of Defense officials.  Female service members are a vital part of our Armed Forces and have made innumerable sacrifices to protect our freedoms.  I am honored to have met many of these service members and veterans from Utah and around the country. 

When discussing the integration of women into combat roles, we must have a national dialogue that focuses objectively on determining what will provide the best capabilities for our Armed Forces while ensuring the safety of those in uniform.  I am disappointed that while pursuing this policy change, the Department of Defense has neglected to address key concerns about American women becoming eligible for the draft, the possibility of female service members being compelled into combat positions, and the long-term impact of combat duty on womens' health and unit readiness.   I hope that political agendas can be put aside, and Congress and the Department of Defense are able to work together to do what is in the best interests for our country and our war-fighters.

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