Gender Integration in the New Zealand Infantry

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a set of principles to ensure the effective integration of women into a light infantry unit, without impairing operational effectiveness. It is intended specifically for a New Zealand Army audience, but is equally applicable to any Western military. The thesis develops a model for assessing combat effectiveness, and bases this model on combat power. The means of generating superior combat power in a light infantry unit are examined, with a view to assessing the effect that gender integration will have on a unit's effectiveness. It then analyzes current arguments for and against the inclusion of women in combat units. Particular attention is paid to arguments for equitable employment, physical differences, and organizational issues to develop some principles for effective integration. The thesis concludes that women can be integrated into combat units without degrading combat effectiveness. A comprehensive review of presently arbitrary physical standards will be necessary, accompanied by the development of an objective, tactically derived standard. Some accommodation will be necessary for the privacy of both men and women. Some additional training requirements will arise for both genders, but the most important issue will be cultural change.