Right: an Israeli woman soldier on the firing range. Israel is one of the few nations which allows women to serve in combat roles in their military. In fact, Israeli girls are conscripted for army service, just as boys are.
web links and documents
The Australian Government's Department of Defence has a section of its Internet site that details the position of Women in the ADF. This site can be accessed at http://www.defence.gov.au/fr/RR/women.htmOn December 22, 2000, a briefing paper was produced for the Australian Parliament titled, 'Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Group - Women in the armed forces: the role of women in the Australian Defence Force' The report contains much useful information, including a definition of 'direct combat'. The full text of this report can be found at http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/fad/women_armed.htm
In June 2001, The National Observer published an editorial arguing that placing women in direct combat positions could weaken the Australian Defence Force. The editorial is titled, 'Women in Front Line Combat - a Defence Issue Or a Discrimination Issue?' The full text of this editorial can be found at http://www.nationalobserver.net/2001_winter_ed1.htm
On march 13, 2008, The Brisbane Times published an opinion piece by John Birmingham titled, 'Women on the front line'. The piece argues in favour of women being given direct combat positions. The full text of the opinion piece can be found at http://blogs.brisbanetimes.com.au/bluntinstrument/archives/2008/03/women_on_the_fr.html
On September 10, 2009, The Daily Telegraph published an editorial titled, 'Gender war on the front line' The editorial essentially argues in favour of women being able to take up direct combat positions. The full text of this editorial can be found at http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/gender-war-on-the-front-line/story-e6frezz0-1225771246135
On September 10, 2009, The Daily Telegraph published an opinion piece by Ian McPhedran arguing that very few women would be found physically suitable for direct combat and even fewer would want to be involved.
The full text of this opinion piece can be found at http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/frontline-women-equal-but-different/story-e6frezz0-1225771199189
On September 12, 2009, The Tasmanian Mercury published an editorial arguing that, subject to suitability testing, women should be able to occupy direct combat positions on the front line. The full text of this editorial can be found at http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/09/12/33155_editorial.html