The Italian government, although late in comparison with other NATO member countries, has finally decided to allow women to serve in the military, starting in the second half of 2000. Under pressure from various organizations advocating gender equality in all areas of life, the Italian authorities have gone further than their Western European counterparts by allowing women not only to serve in auxiliary units but also to participate directly in combat operations. Military emancipation, however, has some restrictions. In particular, in the Navy. Here, "sailors" are not allowed to serve on submarines or in special forces. As for other branches and types of military service, there is complete freedom. The only requirements for women are excellent health, a height of at least 1 meter 60 centimeters, an age between 17 and 25, and the absence of a husband or children. After the decision was announced, the army leadership was inundated with applications from Italian women. In fact, more than half of the 11,000 applicants to the military academy in October 2000 were women. page 2