There’s a new study showing that women are more likely to serve in the armed forces today than in the past, and that the gender gap in combat readiness is closing.
The Military Times conducted a survey of 5,000 service members and civilian employees across the military to see what they think about female service members.
The survey found that a third of respondents had not seen a woman at a military recruiting station, and only 4 percent said they had ever been asked to volunteer to be a military recruiter.
That compares to 15 percent in the early 1990s and 28 percent in 2005.
It also comes amid growing concern that women and minorities in the Armed Forces are underrepresented and that they are not being treated fairly.
“In the past women were far more likely than men to be placed in combat roles, especially in combat operations,” said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley in a statement.
“That is no longer the case.
I would like to see a more open discussion about this issue in order to move our forces forward.””
This survey indicates that the U.S. military is not being fair to women and minority groups,” Milley continued.
“The military is becoming more diverse and accepting of diversity.
I want to be clear, this survey shows that the service members who responded are not only interested in serving their country but also in the culture and traditions that define our military.”
The survey also found that the military’s combat readiness rate is only 62 percent, which is lower than the overall national average.
But, overall, combat readiness rates across the service is higher than that of the general population.
In the past three years, the military has posted a combat readiness score of 738,000.
The military’s overall combat readiness rating is also lower than that posted in the first three months of this year.
“Despite these significant differences, we must ensure that we continue to be able to recruit and train and support our military personnel and those who serve in our country,” Milleys statement said.