Public Supports Women Taking A Bigger Role In Military

There was a time when many people thought women were too "delicate" to take a combat role in the military. Of course, this view conveniently ignored the fact that women have assumed dangerous military jobs throughout our history, and performed them well (even when some had to disguise themselves as a man to do that). It also ignored the fact that in war, especially when our military is trying to fight against guerrillas (when many times even the rear areas become combat zones).

We are now finally realizing that anyone who can successfully complete the rigorous training required of combat personnel should be able to perform that job -- whether male or female. And with the support of our government, the role for women is growing in the military.

When this first started happening, the public wasn't sure what to think about it -- but a plurality believed women should be given the chance. Now that plurality has grown to a majority (of 52%), while only 12% now oppose that growing role for women. In just the last three months, the support has grown from 49% (in October) to 52% (in January). It represents one more small step toward equality for women in our society.

The top chart above shows the feeling in January of 2015, while the bottom chart shows public opinion last October. The two charts were done from a Rasmussen Poll -- one done last October and the other done on January 5th and 6th -- with each questioning a random national sample of 1,000 likely voters, and having a 3 point margin of error.