Rosemary Mariner

In the following viewpoint, Rosemary Mariner argues that women’s opportunities in the military should be expanded to include combat roles. She asserts that women make important contributions to America’s defense and should be treated like their male counterparts. Mariner maintains that the military risks lowering its standards if it restricts the opportunities of its female volunteers and places less-qualified men in combat positions. Mariner is a naval aviator and the first woman to command an aviation squadron.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Mariner, what are the only two combat positions in which women cannot serve?
2. What percentage of America’s military force is female, as cited by the author?
3. In Mariner’s view, what is the only alternative to allowing women...