The Unseen Patriot: Female Cultural Support Team Members and Combat Definition

Since 2010, female servicemembers had been serving in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan in the roles of Cultural Support Teams (CST). These unique teams were sent as attachments to Special Operations Units to deal with difficult war situations that culturally required female presence. Although serving in war and combat, these women were not recognized as combatants. In 2013, the Department of Defense rescinded the Direct Combat Exclusion Rule which previously excluded female military personnel from serving in direct combat occupations. The US Secretary of Defense announced all combat occupations were open to women. Four years later, more than 700 women had been recruited for, or transferred to post-integration combat roles, which continue to expand. While the women of the CSTs have continued to make great sacrifices for their country, many have not been recognized for their combat experiences. This pilot study seeks to understand the experiences of the female members of the Cultural Support Teams who integrated with combat units but were denied recognition for their combat experiences due to their gender. This study surveys current and former members of the US Army Cultural Support Teams. Through an understanding of their experiences, this study explores the definition of combat action, and the impact of that recognition—or lack thereof—on these female servicewomen and veterans.