Women in the Combat Arms: A Conversation with Colonel Ingrid Gjerde
Channel: Center for Strategic & International Studies
Date: 2013-11-21

Colonel Ingrid Margrethe Gjerde
Norwegian Defense Infantry Officer & Commandant of the Norwegian Defense University College
Moderated by:
Dr. Maren Leed 
Senior Adviser, CSIS Harold Brown Chair in Defense Policy Studies 
The decision to open up combat arms to women in the U.S. military has been accompanied by intense debate. Questions concerning how best to set physical standards, prevent sexual harassment and assault, provide mentorship, address retention for female service members, and ensure opportunities for females' promotion and advancement must be addressed to successfully implement this policy shift. In many respects, however, U.S. forces are not breaking new ground. Other nations around the world have integrated women into combat roles, and much can be learned from their experiences. Please join us for a wide-ranging discussion with Colonel Ingrid Margrethe Gjerde, the Norwegian Army's highest ranking female infantry officer, and commander in numerous operations, as she shares her experiences and views on the integration of women into combat arms.