Women’s business in men’s business: women’s health in military service in Australia

and other publications on women’s health and fitness in relation to their serving in the military services, this issue never seems to be laid to rest. Australian Defence Force policy supports the employment of women in traditionally male-dominated, previously exempted areas of military service, with the exception of direct combat.1 In spite of this, many of the obstructive arguments still exist. From time to time the issue is raised by the media, at conferences and in discussions surrounding detrimental accident or sexual harassment cases regarding the suitability of women for certain types of employment in military service. Objections are often found, covertly influential, in performance appraisals, postoperational reports, among members of panels for courses and promotion, and in discussions in messes; most objections are based on physical sex differences and on issues related to women’s health. This paper explores, through the literature, the systemic use of women’s health as a reason to exclude the participation of women in military service.