Menendez Calls For Change in Policy on Women in Combat

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez is seeking to update a Defense Department policy on women in ground combat units in an effort to make sure female service members are given the same recognition and opportunities as men.

The policy, known as the “combat exclusion policy,” blocks women from being assigned to ground combat units and from being recognized as combat troops, Menendez said at a press conference on Cedar Lane today. 

“It is time that we recognize the role that women in the military have had and have, and give credit where credit is due,” Menendez said. “I am concerned about the inconsistency that the combat exclusion policy presents for women in our armed forces.”

The policy prevents women from accessing the same treatment, training and career opportunities as men in the military, according to Menendez.  He plans to send a letter seeking answers to Defense Secretary Robert Gates and is working on legislation to update the policy. 

State Senator Loretta Weinberg, who joined Menendez, said the issue was important to veterans across New Jersey and the country. 

Of the 2.2 million troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, more than 255,00 have been women,  Menendez said.

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