DUTIES.

SEC. 542. DUTIES. (a) In General.—The Commission shall assess the laws and policies restricting the assignment of female service members and shall make findings on such matters. (b) Studies.—In carrying out such assessment, the Commission shall— (1) conduct a thorough study of duty assignments available for female service members; (2) examine studies already completed concerning duty assignments for female service members; and (3) conduct such additional studies as may be required. (c) Matters To Be Considered.—Matters to be considered by the Commission shall include the following: (1) The implications, if any, for the combat readiness of the Armed Forces of permitting female service members to qualify for assignment to positions in some or all categories of combat positions and to be assigned to such positions, including the implications with respect to— (A) the physical readiness of the armed forces and the process for establishing minimum physical and other qualifications; (B) the effects, if any, of pregnancy and other factors resulting in time lost for male and female service members; in evaluating lost time, comparisons must be made between like mental categories and military occupational specialties rather than simple gender comparisons; and (C) the effects, if any, of such assignments on unit morale and cohesion. (2) The public attitudes in the United States on the use of women in the military. (3) The legal and policy implications (A) of permitting only voluntary assignments of female service members to combat positions, and (B) of permitting involuntary assignments of female service members to some or all combat positions. (4) The legal and policy implications— (A) of requiring females to register for and to be subject to conscription under the Military Selective Service Act on the same basis as males if females were provided the same opportunity as males for assignment to any position in the Armed Forces; 105 STAT. 1367 (B) of requiring females to register for and to be subject to conscription under the Military Selective Service Act on the same basis as males if females in the Armed Forces were assigned to combat position only as volunteers; and (C) of requiring females to register for and to be subject to conscription under the Military Selective Service Act on a different basis than males if females in the Armed Forces were not assigned to combat positions on the same basis as males. (5) The extent of the need to modify facilities and vessels, aircraft, vehicles, and other equipment of the Armed Forces to accommodate the assignment of female service members to combat positions or to provide training in combat skills to female service members, including any need to modify quarters, weapons, and training facilities and equipment. (6) The costs of meeting the needs identified pursuant to paragraph (5). (7) The implications of restrictions on the assignment of women on the recruitment, retention, use, and promotion of qualified personnel in the Armed Forces.