tions to women. Each service interpreted the guidance differently,
and it is important to understand those interpretations before
assessing the progress in implementing the congressional guidance.
The second component assesses the progress of what we refer to as
gender integration. In this component, we determined the extent to
which the services carried out their interpretations of the congres-
sional direction. The third component assesses the effects of gender
integration on the readiness, cohesion, and morale of units.

To complete the third component, we relied on a series of visits to
military units. We visited 14 units, chosen to provide the broadest
possible view of the effects of the policy changes. ¹ We used three
techniques during field visits to gather information about gender
issues and their effects on readiness, cohesion, and morale. We
interviewed commanders and other senior leaders, conducted a
series of focus groups with unit personnel, and administered a survey
to focus-group participants and other unit personnel. Almost 500
people participated in the focus groups, which were organized by
rank and sex.

In response to the policy and legislative changes, the services have
opened more occupations and organizations to women. Table S.1
shows the change in the number of positions open to women. The
movement of women into these positions has varied, depending on
such factors as the number of women in each service, their interest
in these positions, training or retraining times, and whether facilities
or systems had to be reconfigured.

Clearly, progress has occurred in all services. Some of the changes
were numerically small but significant. Women now fly combat air-
craft and serve on combat ships. As a result, they will have oppor-
tunities to acquire the type of experience that leads to the most
senior positions. However, limitations still exist, and some of them

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