Long-Term Impact
"The mechanic that I knew was a crew chief, which means she was a mechanic and also a door gunner, so she fired guns from the door of the helicopter. When women joined the military, they paved the way for the women of today, and are now widely accepted in the military."
-Michael Aguilar, U.S. Marine Corporal 1992 to 1996 |
With the passing of Women's Armed Services Integration Act in 1948, women have continued to serve for decades in all branches of the military. In 1978, WAC was disestablished by Congress and women became a part of the regular army. A year later, women's enlistment qualifications changed so they were the same as men's. The first women cadets graduated from West Point in 1980. In the 1990s, 40,000 women served in both Gulf War operations; Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
As of 2013, an order was signed allowing women to have the same opportunities as men in combat. Currently, women make up 14.5% of the U.S. military and serve in 95 percent of all Army occupations. In November 2013, the first three women completed Marine infantry training.
As of 2013, an order was signed allowing women to have the same opportunities as men in combat. Currently, women make up 14.5% of the U.S. military and serve in 95 percent of all Army occupations. In November 2013, the first three women completed Marine infantry training.
"Now women do everything."
- Sgt. Elizabeth (Pidgeon) Murphy, U.S. Marine
- Sgt. Elizabeth (Pidgeon) Murphy, U.S. Marine
"The history of women who served in or with the US military during World War II is a complex story of policy development, cultural expectations, social norms, race relationships and citizenship. While this may be stated for almost any era, the sheer numbers of women in the military and the global significance of World War II reinforce the impact of the event. The war changed women's expectations and gave impetus to movement for greater gender equality — even though postwar society expected women to leave the workplace and focus on their roles as wives and mothers."
- Judith Bellafaire and Major General Jeanne Holm, USAF
- Judith Bellafaire and Major General Jeanne Holm, USAF
Women in World War II established rights for all future generations of women. They had the right to be equal to men and to honor their country. Women have shown that they can be just as patriotic as men. Over the course of the past century, women have been fighting for equal rights and responsibilities such as voting, jobs, pay, and military service.
Today, the women who served in World War II are still participating in veterans groups and are keeping the heritage of the group alive. Women often attend military reunions and continue the tradition of service to their local communities and greater country. The women of this aging great generation want to tell their story and teach the lessons they've learned. |
"You are the first women to serve...Never forget it...You have given up comfortable homes, highly paid positions, leisure. You have taken off silk and put on khaki. And all for essentially the same reason - you have a debt and a date. A debt to democracy, a date with destiny."
-Colonel Hobby addressing the first women's officer candidate class
-Colonel Hobby addressing the first women's officer candidate class