Women Veterans' Exposure to Combat

Using data collected in the Veterans Administration's Survey of Female Veterans, this article describes the characteristics of women veterans who were exposed to combat situations while serving in the armed forces. The definition of combat exposure ranges from "service in a war zone," such as in England during World War II, to being "shot at or being a POW." Slightly over 5 percent of the respondents met the definition. Particular attention is paid to those female veterans who served during World War II, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam era. No attempt is made to enter the debate concerning whether women should be allowed to work in combat or near-combat (support) military occupations. Such a discussion is beyond the purpose of this paper and study from which it came.