Then again the same exists in the now forgone "don't ask don't tell" and what's to say it did not exist for platonic friendships in any case? Israel has had women in their fighting forces since I can remember back in 1970's... worked with a woman - Israeli, architect who had served her country in the armed forces.
Sorry, I don't agree with mandatory deployment of women in combat and especially with women serving in subs and other close situations, but find the comments on this thread regarding the "abilities and capabilities" of women insulting to all women. The most vitriolic posters are in high probability NOT combat material or borderline successful in their own military career. Those I have personally known in my life who have served, including WWII, Korea and Vietnam, would never post such crap.
two points... 1)that is way queers open or in the closet serving in the military are a bad idea for the same reason i stated, and 2)do NOT confuse female Israeli soldiers serving inside their own country with with forces in maneuver warfare operating outside their own borders in completely hostile territory for months/years in the most primitive of conditions...