I have earned and been born with too many freedoms in America to even consider such an idea unless it is Halloween and that is my choice of costume. I say put the men in their native dress as well. Then let's see how long they last. To insist female American soldiers wear the abaya violates our freedoms as an American, our equal rights issues and our constitutional right of due process. The only way I would consider the abaya is if the male soldier were mandated to do the same as me.
Women have no rights in Saudi Arabia anyway.
This is hostile territory for the female of any species. Send them home and end this. I feel more comfortable when I don't stick out in a crowd. Respect for the country's customs should be paramount. We are not an occupying force, we are there as paid guests to protect the interests of our allies.