Women are on the front line of dealing directly with Afghan women and children . They will search Afghan women , something men ca n't do without causing great upset . Women are not allowed in front - line military units , but the risks are still great . `` These women are a cut above the rest of the Army , '' says McCarthy , pointing to a group in a morning training class . Last month a unit commander was killed , along with two male soldiers , in Afghanistan .
Women are on the front line of dealing directly with Afghan women and children . They will search Afghan women , something men ca n't do without causing great upset . Women are not allowed in front - line military units , but the risks are still great . Last month a unit commander was killed , along with two male soldiers , in Afghanistan .