5 Ways Women Have Transformed the United States Armed Forces | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

5 Ways Women Have Transformed the United States Armed Forces

Because X and Y chromosomes no longer dictate who can and cannot enlist.

106
5 Ways Women Have Transformed the United States Armed Forces
Alixandra Valenti
“I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself…” – Susan B. Anthony

March 1st marks the start of women’s history month, a time dedicated to special acknowledgements across the nation – recognizing the efforts women have made to break barriers, highlight diversity, and overcome adversity. From suffrage fighters to business trailblazers, I’d say women have paved a path for success over the decades. In particular, women have been extremely successful in their efforts to join the military and change the way the American forces look today.

So yeah – I guess you could say women are pretty badass nowadays and out of the 1.4 million active duty military forces today, about 225,000 are sporting double X chromosomes. Here are some other impressive facts showcasing (just a few) accomplishments of military women out there today.

1. Largest number of female midshipmen

The United States Naval Academy is currently celebrating forty years of women at the institution. The brigade now consists of about a 1:4 ratio of women to men, compared to the mere 51 that graduated in 1980. Class of 2019 even marks the highest number of females to date with over 300 inducted July of 2015.

2. Women can now officially hold combat positions

The ban was lifted in 2013 by congress and now women can join men alongside infantry units – assuming they meet all standards. Women can now serve as Army Rangers, Green Berets, Navy SEALs and any other job that was not previously open to them just a couple years ago.

3. Women have been serving for over one hundred years now

Loretta Walsh was the first women to enlist in the Navy – 1917. Close to one hundred years later, the nation's armed forces now consider about 15% of its population as female.

4. Leading military roles now being filled by women

In the American Revolution, women supported military efforts by becoming nurses and cooks for the most part. Deborah Sampson had to pretend to be a man just to be able to get to the front infantry lines. Today, females are serving with distinction and accomplishing just as much, if not more, than some men are. Just recently (2014), Michelle Howard became the first woman to attain the rank of four-star admiral.

5. Paving the path of integration and acceptance

There has been a hard push for military inclusive efforts over the decades. Following racial integration in 1948 and the allowance of gay men/women to serve openly in 2011, women are still breaking barriers regarding physical and mental capabilities. Only time will tell what obstacles are left to be overcome.


"The views expressed , [in this article] reflect personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Naval Academy, the United States navy, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.”

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

194883
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17661
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459997
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27833
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments