ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on female soldier's increased vulnerability in the United States Military from both state legislation that restricts women from combat units and violent attacks by their male cohort. It concentrates on the critical theme of post-war reconstruction. The chapter addresses two paradoxes as they relate to the safety of female soldiers. The DoD established the 'Risk Rule' to allow the majority of women to volunteer for military service without being forced to serve in units operating in or near the frontlines. However, as the DoD's report suggests, people female soldiers are certainly at risk. In this way people frame the protection of their female soldiers though policies such as 'the risk rule' but are not prepared to witness the private war of women soldiers. As one National Guard officer who was stationed in Iraq elaborates on the constant sexual harassment: Most of the military sexual trauma happens with their peers.
