Since the first women began serving in integrated units in 1948 the role of women in the American military has grown and become increasingly important, and as the range of roles open to women increased women have served, fought and died in combat zones despite officially being prohibited from combat roles. Over the past three years, however, the Department of Defense has begun to integrate women into all units. The Navy and the Air Force have almost completed integration, and in the Army integration is proceeding rapidly, but the Marine Corps had unsuccessfully tried to prevent women from serving in their infantry or armor units.

YouGov’s research shows that Americans largely support (65%) rather than oppose (29%) the decision to allow women into combat roles in the military. Support is much more decisive among Democrats (80% to 15%) and independents (61% to 31%) than it is among Republicans, who are split 48% to 47% on the decision.