Nation: Soon, G.I. Jill?

Carter includes women

"There is no distinction possible, on the basis of ability or performance, that would allow me to exclude women." So said Jimmy Carter as he announced that he would ask Congress this week to require young women, as well as young men, to register for the draft. But the President is still opposed to sending women, who now make up about 8% of the volunteers in U.S. military service, into combat. Said he: "Women are not [now] assigned to units where engagement in close combat would be part of their duties, and I have no intention of changing that policy."

Under the legislation, men and women who turn 19 and 20 this year would begin registering at their local post offices in June, while 18-year-olds would start signing up in January 1981. No one would be exempt, not even conscientious objectors. Total budget for registration in the first year: $20.5 million.

House Speaker Tip O'Neill already has predicted that Congress will not agree to register women, so Carter decided to take no chances. The Administration will introduce two bills, one covering men, the other women. Thus male registration, which Carter wants Congress to enact immediately as a warning to the Soviets, will not be delayed by the debate over G.I. Jill.