Back to News & Commentary Congress Must Preserve Military Women’s Ability to Serve in Ground Combat Roles After a decade of progress, the Trump administration wants to turn back the clock for women serving in ground combat roles. Congress must act. , Senior Legislative Counsel , ACLU National Political Advocacy Department May 29, 2026 For decades, the Department of Defense barred service women from competing for or being assigned to direct ground combat occupations and units, including infantry, armor, artillery, combat engineer, and special forces. In fact, more than 200,000 positions in our armed forces were off limits simply because the individuals seeking them were women. The policy was glaringly at odds with the military’s own stated commitment to meritocracy, where servicemembers are judged on their individual ability and achievements. It also was discriminatory and violated the U.S. Constitution. The ACLU sued the Department of Defense in 2012 and, soon thereafter, the ban was lifted.…