The article states "Women are underrepresented in the highest ranks not because of pervasive sexual assault, but because they are still formally excluded from the most honored role of all, that of combat soldier." Right on! Let's eliminate this inequity once and for all and prove that females are equal to males. Let's get rid of the gender protection premise - this is false, neanderthal, and not an issue.

Juliette seems to be saying that sexual assault would decline if women were allowed in combat roles. I do not think so. The military exists to win wars, not to be an equal opportunity employer.

Ms. Kayyem did not mention one of the most egregious sex-excluding practices for women and the military--the federal law requiring only men between the ages of 18 and 25, to register for the draft. Failure to register can result in imprisonment for up to 5 years and/or a fine of up to $250,000. Women aren't required to register because they are excluded from combat. That's pretty discriminatory to me--to men, that is.

Juliette, you ever been in combat? didn't think so. you ever been int he military? Didn't think so. So who are you to advise what the experienced people running the most dangerous business around should or should not do relative to who serves in the front lines? You think far too much of yourself, and far too little of the real life-and-death challenges of our military.