ABSTRACT

The ramifications of women being excluded from some exclusive units extend beyond their military service. Cultural issues are only overcome with time and the concerted, consistent vigilance of leadership. Perhaps the most insidious example of overt and cruel sexism is the Indonesian military and police forces practice of conducting abusive virginity tests on female recruits. History is replete with examples of women willing and able to fight for themselves and their lands. Israel, Norway, and the United States are among the countries that claim success at integrating women into the military. Israel’s goal of creating an integrated society is well served through compulsory public service, either the military or through a parallel service corps most often chosen by ultra-religious individuals, but not necessarily gender integration. The Canadian government commissioned a study in 2003 to identify cultural issues with assimilation and integration within the military and provide suggestions for addressing those challenges.