"Women say, men kept you at a distance, supported you, put you on a pedestal, built with an essential difference." -Les Guerilleres, Monique WittigThe fight for women to gain access to combat positions within the armed forces has been arduous. Unfortunately, most nation states do not allow women to fight in any capacity; however, some countries do not allow women to participate in military service at all. However, the introduction of women into combat within the British, Canadian, Danish, German, Israeli, Norwegian and US forces was effective as women contributed significantly to their success. This success is the strongest supporter of women's access to combative positions. The proposal for the integration of women into combat is also based on consideration of the definition of combat, gender equality and the influence of sexist literature. This article also examines the reasons why women were kept away from the front lines, women's participation in violent rebel forces and, finally, how women succeeded in the military, especially in combat . I do not propose a uniform method for militaries to integrate their women into warfare, rather, a specific approach that must be developed by the nation itself as women's rights and social roles differ from country to country. While some nations have already recognized women as skilled in the more aggressive roles of their militaries, some employ women only in secretarial jobs. Suggesting that all countries conscript women for combat would certainly be a disaster, as integrating, training and alleviating female biases takes time. It is also important to understand that with this proposal I am not advocating the war for diplomas...... middle of paper ...... eli Military. War in history, 8, 99-100. Retrieved October 30, 2003, from the Academic Search Premier database. Miller, L. (1998). Feminism and the exclusion of military women from combat. Gender Issues, 16, 33-64. Retrieved November 7, 2003, from the Academic Search Premier database. OED Online (2003). London: Oxford University Press. Retrieved November 13, 2003, from http://dictionary.oed.comRosen, L. & Durand, D. (1996). Cohesion and readiness in gender integrated combat service support units: The impact of women's acceptance and gender ratio. Armed Forces and Society, 22, 537-53. Retrieved November 7, 2003, from the Academic Search Premier database. Smirnov, A. (2002). Women in the Russian Army. Russian Journal of Social Sciences, 43, 61-71. Retrieved October 27, 2003, from the Academic Search Premier database. Victor, B. (2003). The Army of Roses. [Emmaus, Pennsylvania]: Rodale.