Evolution of Women in the Military

The Evolution of Wo manpower in the armed forces abstract Wo hands atomic number 18 without doubt an integral character reference of the force armed overhauls. It took the determi state of matter of wo hands done and end-to-end fib to pave the way for the 400,000, wo workforce that service of fulfil today. From the initiatory years of the soldiers to the present affair in Afghanistan, women take outdoor(a) do never-ending progress to state of state of state of wards comparability. It is through their contri howeverions that the troops has evolved, consistently opening more than jobs to women in f every last(predicate) upon. cartridge holder has presentn that war does non separate a successful soldiery uses the efficacys of every last(predicate) members despite their gender.The Evolution of Women in the troops Women in Military History Although non offici whollyy enlisted into the run, women excite been a fate of the legions dating back to the A meri enkindle basal contend. finishedout annals, they have challenged the norms of friendship and pursued their dedication to the Nation, chip for our freedom. Women in the legions have fought through challenges and obstacles in some(prenominal) conflicting for ableity and establishing their roles in flake. It is clear that the legions services would non be what they are today without their contri andions and sacrifices.The archaean Years From the Ameri tail assembly Revolutionary fight through the civilised war women contributed to the war in both conventional and irregular ways. In serving as what we would predict today engagement service Support, they took trouble of the wounded, brought water to troops, provided laundry services, and resolved as cooks. umteen women this instant financial backinged the cause by disguising themselves as men in devote to fight in the war. Two such(prenominal) documented cases were Deborah Sampson during the American Revolut ionary struggle and Elizabeth Newcom during the Mexican contend.Sampson served in the Continental Forces for every smudge a year, she upright makeed half(a) of the pension the men authoritative during that time. Newcom enlisted in the Missouri volunteer Infantry and marched for oer 600 mies. Once disc everyplaceed, the armed services accomplish her with no benefits. Thither were likewise several women who fought a abundantside their husbands with no relent or benefits. If their husbands received wounds during the conflict, they did non hesitate for a mho to step in and traverse the fight. unmatchable of the most well-known women of the Civil warfare was Dr. bloody shame Walker.She was unable to find a paying job in the military simply because she was a cleaning char cleaning woman, She volunteered on the cause lines, saving thousands of lives. Although the military did non mobilise these women Soldiers, at that time, I would fence in that their actions and contributions whether direct in the fight or support were that of Soldiers. From the Spanish American warfare in 1898 to 1908 women go along to progress. With the number of casualties from the war raise the medical system, the military services were in dire need of help. They had no filling but to allow women into the services, but continued to restrict them as contract workers and.By the wars end, the legions hired everywhere 1,500 nurse contractors that served at hospitals throughout the world. The surgical operation of the contract nurses was not without notice this prompted Dr McGee to frame legislation creating a permanent corps of nurses. This was a study turning microscope stage for women in the military, which resulted in the front woman appointed as the motioning appurtenant Surgeon planetary, Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee. It was unequivocal that the military could not meet the demands of the war without the use of women resulting in the establishment of the so ldiery entertains pot in 1901 and the navy Nurse Corp in 1908 (Highlights in History, n. . ). The period of valet contend I and orb War II brought significant advancements for women in the military although it would prove that women were expendable. After the passing of the Selective Service Act and the draft initiated, there were over 4. 8 million men served fighting in the war. This had a significant clash on the women of the nation not only were they take aim to fill the millions of jobs left on the sign of the zodiac front, but the military needed the women to free the men of non conflictant duties. The navy blue and Marines were the low gear to enlist women ignoring red tape eternizeing from coition.The Navy enlisted over 12,000 Yeomen and 1,500 nurses and the Marines enlisted over three hundred women in the reserves as telecommunicate operators and clerks. The Army unofficially enlisted over 21,000 nurses as contract workers and volunteers. The Army Signal Cor p trained over 300 bilingual telephone operators and stenographers. At the end of the war, the military did not grapple women for their service or consider them oldtimers. For example, the telephone operators left the military with little appreciation, receiving no ceremonies and no dress discharge or benefits. These women erformed duties no little important than the men did and the mission would have failed without them, yet the military was able to unfreeze them with no concern for their contributions. In 1979, the Army re in expressectioned the womens service and watch outd that they performed duties as any other Soldier had. They gave them honorable recognition unfortunately, for some it was too late, they passed away never receiving the title of Veteran. As women volunteered for service for a resistant military, compared to the umpteen men that the government drafted it was clear the military did not appreciate their commitment, sacrifices and honor the worth of wome n.This was evident by the Army Re musical arrangement Act in 1920, which granted military nurses sexual relation order of an officer, not receiving the very(prenominal) pay, benefits, and privileges as that of young-begetting(prenominal) officers of the self uniform(prenominal) rank (Chronicles of, 2007). As World War II began, the military could not ignore the contribution of women during World War I and knew they could not fight another war without them. During World War II, over 400,000 women served in the military in both the United States and Overseas. We know World War II for the number of women that served punctuate both the need for women in the military and their commitment to trade.However, women would bear many challenges during this time. Women in the military continued to go against the norms of gild that considered womens place to be at home taking care of the home and family. The absolute volume of men in the military did not accept them as equals although t hey held many positions previously only held by men. The problems with date foray and slander continued. According to Gruhzit-Hoyt (1995), a cite heard often among men in the Navy, they had joined the navy to ride the WAVES (Women recognised for Volunteer Service).These challenges continue to exist level in todays military. Highly trained women were underutilized and stratified far under their duties and responsibilities. It was common for higher(prenominal) ranking individuals to assign some women as babysitters and personal servants. The Corps of Engineers and Medical serve used their assigned women as imbibe commandos (Weatherford, 1990). One example is of a mystical named Mary McMillin. She held the womens world altitude record in parachuting, having jumped from 24,800 feet and known for her work as a daredevil in the warm circus.Her duties in the Army were to pack parachutes for untested men who had never jumped before in their lives (Weatherford, 1990). The rank of women during this time was far below that of men. One such case was Oveta Culp spare-time activity she was responsible for over 60,000 women, formed an organization from scratch, and took on complex missions. Her rank was Colonel, which compared to the rank of a man who would command no more than 500 Soldiers (Weatherford, 1990). These are only a few examples but women matte up the inequality throughout the military for many years.Women not only had the issues of being a fe manful in the military, but they dealt with the same issues that the men did being at war. They had nonstandard living conditions, which were some time worse than the mens, deficiency of supplies and fear of the Enemy. In 1942, the Japanese held 67 women for over two years as Prisoners of War (POW). They also captured five Navy nurses holding them for five months and a entropy group, holding them for 37 months. The Japanese inured the women worse than the men POW, raping and harassing them on a consistent basis.These events farther supported the view of the majority of parliamentary law who believed the military service was no place for a woman. This did not stop women from fighting to be in the services. By the end of the war, the military make significant strides in establishing women into the military. All services had gear uped either a corps or reserve for women the Army effected the WAC, the argument Force completed the Women Air force Service Pilots (WASP), the Navy established the Women Excepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), and the Marines and semivowel Guard established the Womens Reserves.It is embarrassing to imagine how the war would have stop without the 400,000 women that served. Nether less, it was clear that history would geminate itself and once again, the military dismissed the majority of women even if more qualified than their male counter start ups. Time for Change The years following World War II through Post Korean War would set out much c hange and initial incredulity for women in the services, yet would prove to be a time of positive and perdurable change. In 1945, the WAC closed for enlistment, closing all training c dons.The number of women in the WAC fall from over 150,000, to barely 3,000. Although some women were content to return home to their lives before the war, represent that they had the need and passion to do more. The Army realized the need to maintain women in the regular Army, therefore, a year later the Army Chief of Staff Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower began the border of making the WAC a permanent part of the Army. After three years with Lt. Col. Mary Louise Milligan leading the way, President Truman signed the Womens Armed Services consolidation Act. This was a historic time for women throughout all services.The first enlisted women entered the stock Army was in July 1948, and the first WAC officers received official Army appointments in December 1948 (Women in the, n. d. ). This exposed the door for the military to recognize women for their service and made it possible for women to practise the military a career. It was through the Korean War and the years following that women would fetch to understand what being part of the constant Army would mean. The Army recalled many Officers for duty and involuntarily extended those enlisted that had planned to take leave the military.More than 500 women served in the combat zone. The Koreans killed 17 women during the war, which was considerably less than World War II fortunately, the military gave these women the same courtesies and benefits as the men. Following the Korean War, more positions open to women, and training available for women increased tremendously. A true testament to women fully desegregation into the services is the addition of reenlistment bonuses and pay increases and for the first time implementation of uniforms for women.Women could finally assert that they were officially part of the United State s military organization although the involution for true equality was far from won. The militarys expectations of women were in contradiction to the growing feminist hunting expedition in the United States during the Vietnam War but would eventually have to adhere to the expectations of the nation (Highlights in History, n. d. ). The military expected women to find out like women. They were to dress enamourly in skirts and high heels, where make up, and use appropriate ladylike manners.These guidelines even applied to the women in Vietnam. The military spent money to develop women to perform what they considered a womens work, such as typing and cooking, even if trained and well(p) in other technical skills. These actions further restricted promotions for women making them uncompetitive and unentitled for promotion to Admiral or world-wide. eventually the military could no longer go against the demands of young-bearing(prenominal) service members for equality congress vot ed to allow womens promotion to higher pay grades to include Admiral and General in 1967. Women in the, n. d. ). This movement would propel many firsts for women throughout the Vietnam War to include first woman enlisted in the Air subject Guard, promoted to Brigadier General, aircraft maintenance officer, promoted to Major General, first naval vessel sails with female and male crew, and the Armys first woman helicopter pilot. Although this was a step in the right direction, there was still a long road to equality. The Armed operate citizens committee of the US House of Representatives made the following statement making that clear. here cannot be complete equality amidst men and women in the matter of military careers. The stern demands of combat, sea duty, and other types of assignments directly related to combat are not placed upon women in our society. It is recognized that a male officer in arriving at the point where he may be considered for general and flag rank passes through a crucible to which the woman officer is not subjectedsuch as combat, long tours at sea, and other dangers and isolation (Women in the, n. d. ). From the post Vietnam Era to the present, women continued to earn their way to the highest ranks in the military.They took on the toughest jobs and assignments and proved that they were as able-bodied as men to complete the most complex missions. During this time, women enter into the service academies and graduate, a woman commands a major military installation, the first black woman promoted to Brigadier General. During exploit yet Cause in Panama, two woman Command companies and the list continues. Women would continue to appearance their relevance through accomplishment Iraqi Freedom and presently in Operation Enduring Freedom.Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) would prove to be both a time for women to jump and time of great challenges for women in the military. there have been more women killed in OIF than in any war since World War II with over 200,000 deployed. Unfortunately, the war itself has not been the only challenge. The biggest challenge has come from inside our own ranks. According to several studies of the US military funded by the Department of Veteran Affairs, 30% of military women are ravaged while serving, 71% are sexually assaulted, and 90% are sexually chevvy (Benedict, 2009).While deployed leadership issues women whistles, ordered them to stay with meshing buddies. Is this what a Soldier deserves while fighting for her country? With the increase of sexual misconduct, the military has taken a more proactive approach to training and has given victims more options for reporting. Although not officially authorized to serve in direct combat, they are. They conduct patrol, female searches at checkpoints and serve as pilots unspoilt to name a few. This has led to the debate of womens roles in combat. Womans Roles in Combat Womens roles in combat have been a subject of debate.Both in the military and inwardly society, people believe that women do not belong in direct combat or on the front lines. Those that do support women in combat argue that some, not all women are just as capable as men to perform combat duties and should be afforded the same opportunities as men in the military. thither are compelling arguments on both sides, but the truth is that women entrust continue to fight for equal treatment in all facets of the military. Although the thought of women fighting on the front lines of combat is at times difficult to imagine, it is reality.There are concerns with physical capability, mental ability, and effects on the unit. The opposition says that women are caretakers, nurturers, life givers and everything that combat entails goes against those roles. Combat as defined by General Robert Barrow, source commandant of the US Marine Corps, scene to danger is not combat. Being fortuity at, even being killed, is not com bat. Combat is findingclosing withand killing or capturing the rival. It is killing, and its done in an purlieu that is often as difficult as you can possibly imagineBrutality.Death. Dying. Its uncivilized And women cant do it (Muir, 1992, p. 3). This statement is very broad and stereotypes all women. However, not all women are the same and many women ask the same hazard to fight and die if need be for their country. Another common argument is that women do not have the physical strength and stamina to conduct combat missions. most(prenominal) would agree that the majority of women, as with many men, are not physically capable to perform combat duties. Therefore, the military should develop a physical test to determine MOS eligibility.This would enable the most qualified force out to perform in combat, regardless of sex. Is a woman mentally capable of killing, can they pull the trigger? Women may go through a different decision-making process than a man, although with training , and mission analysis, they will do what they have to do. Combat has an effect on all service members. Women will have post combat issues, but no different than men. Effects on the units can be minimal if the military develops a slow and deliberate plan to meld women into the units.Change is difficult, but we are a Military that must adapt to a forever changing environment. As with the repeal of tangle witht ask, Dont tell it is the leaders responsibility to educate, train, and perform changes that in the end state will only make us a stronger military. The Military Leadership Diversity Committee is currently in support of women fulfilling combat roles. It is clear that women have been serving in combat roles unofficially for years. Units have modishly attached women to combat units instead of appoint them or simply tasking them to perform missions in direct combat.The mission will place many women not attached or tasked in direct combat with the enemy meeting the exact defin ition of General Robert Barrow. Therefore, the reality is that women are on the front lines, and it is time that the military opens all jobs to women. Considering the major contributions of women, and the impact they had on the military, it is imperative that the military gives women the same opportunities to serve their country as their male counterparts. Contributions of Women throughout History umpteen legendary women throughout military history are not well known.Early in history they did not serve in legitimate roles therefore, nobody wrote about or recognized them until many years later. soon enough it is important to understand without their contributions things may be different today. Catherine Moore Barry was primarily responsible for General Morgan defeating Gen Cornwallis at Cowpens during the Revolutionary War, which crowning(prenominal)ly resulted in the Colonies winning their independence from Britain. rosebush ONeal Greenhow who became one of the take up-known sp ies during the Civil War sent a core to Gen Beauregard resulting in him taking Bull Run.Col flushed Bradley who is the most decorated Army Nurse served for 34 years, participating in the WWII and the Korean War. More recently, Maj Marie Therese Rossi, she was the first female combat Commander to fly into battle. She paid the ultimate sacrifice when her helicopter crashed in prove 1991. Finally, Sgt Leigh Ann Hester who is the first female to receive the plate Star Medal since World War II. These are only a few examples of womans contributions throughout the years, but if they had been there where would we be today. ConclusionFrom the days of the Revolutionary War when women disguised themselves as men to fight in the war to today when women are closer than ever to equal treatment as the men they serve alongside of, they have endured through many challenges and obstacles. Women battled against sexual harassment and assault, rape, slander and uneven pay and benefits. During the early wars, many underestimated the value of women. Commanders in charge did not want women in their ranks. As time and war, progressed Commanders had a newfound respect for females in their units and would ask for them over the men.Although the military had become restricted on women to fill the noncombat positions, they immediately discharged them at the wars end until 1948 when they enlisted in the Regular Army. From this point on women had fought the uphill battle to today in 2012 when congress opened another 14,000 jobs for women closer to the front lines. Through their contributions, sacrifices and determination womens relevance in the military is clear they have challenged the norms of society and assisted in the success of the military we know today as the best in the world. References Benedict, H. (2009). The lonely soldier.Boston, MA beacon fire Press Books. Chronicle of nursing. (2007). Retrieved from http//www. asrn. org/jouranl-chronicle-nursing/207-military-nursing. hypertext mark-up language Gruhzit-Hoyt, O. (1995). They also served. New York, NY Carol Publishing Group. Highlights in the history of military women. (n. d. ). Retrieved from www. womensmemorial. org/Education/timeline. html Muir, K. (1992). Arms and the women. London, England Sinclair-Stevenson Limited. Weatherford, D. (1990). American women and world war II. New York, NY Facts on File. Women in the U. S. Army. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http//www. army. mil/women/newera. html