§652 Notice to Congress of Proposed Changes in Units, Assignments, Etc. to Which Female Members May Be Assigned

Summary

The Secretary of Defense must notify Congress at least 30 calendar days before making changes that would close or open to female service members any unit or position covered by the ground combat exclusion rules, or that would open or close assignments to certain military career codes. The notice must describe the change, explain why it is needed, and include a detailed legal analysis about whether the change affects the constitutionality of applying the Military Selective Service Act to men only. Ground combat exclusion policy: the Defense Department rules in effect on October 1, 1994 that limited women from assignments below brigade level whose main job is direct ground combat. Military career designator: job codes tied to ground operations as of May 18, 2005 (covering enlisted, warrant officers, and officers). For other personnel policy changes not covered above or by section 8225, the Secretary must give written notice at least 30 calendar days before implementation to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives if the change would make available to women any other type of unit, any class of combat vessel, or any combat platform that is currently closed to them.