Lemondrop

The notion of women in combat has long sparked controversy, especially because, technically, they aren't "allowed" to engage in direct warfare. Which is why it's surprising that so little is known about the group of female Army support soldiers -- dubbed "Team Lioness" -- who became the first American women to be sent into ground combat.

Filmmakers Meg McLagan and Daria Sommers decided to chronicle the lives of these women -- not only their experiences on the ground in Iraq, but also the impact of going into battle on their lives once they returned home. The resulting film, "Lioness," is a poignant look at high cost of war -- and the strength and character of women to overcome. As one of the Lionesses notes, "When we go outside of the wire, the enemy doesn't care what gender you are."

The film debuted last week as part of PBS' "Independent Lens" series, and it will be re-aired throughout the month. Check PBS to find out when "Lioness" will be on in your area.