Trailblazing women in the U.S. military: An all-voluntary service historic timeline

March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the remarkable contributions of women in the U.S. military. Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping the armed forces, breaking barriers, and championing gender equity. This blog explores women's journey in the U.S. military from the early 20th century to the present, focusing on their transition to voluntary service.

Revolutionary War: Unofficial Service and Disguised Heroines

During the Revolutionary War, women played crucial roles despite not being officially enlisted. Estimates suggest that hundreds, if not thousands, of women disguised themselves as men to serve in combat roles or supported the military effort in various ways. While exact numbers are difficult to ascertain, their contributions significantly sustained the war effort.

Civil War: Supporting the Troops on the Home Front During the Civil War, women's contributions were essential. Estimates indicate that tens of thousands served as nurses, volunteers and other support roles. Approximately 20,000 women engaged in tasks such as growing crops, cooking, sewing, laundering uniforms and organizing donations. By the war's end, around 3,000 women had served as nurses in the Union Army alone. These nurses, including trailblazers like Clara Barton, who founded the American Red Cross; Dorothea Dix, known for her advocacy for mental health reform; and Dr. Mary Walker, who played a critical role in caring for wounded soldiers on the front lines. Their dedication and service laid the foundation for future advancements in women's roles in the military.

Mexican-American War: Women's Support and Nursing Roles

The war between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848 stemmed from territorial disputes over Texas. Social expectations of women during this time were largely confined to domestic roles, but the war created a need for their support in non-traditional capacities. They provided care for the sick and wounded, served as cooks and laundresses, and offered moral support to soldiers. Despite not being recognized for their contributions, these women played a vital role in the war effort. Exact statistics on the number of women involved are challenging to determine due to the lack of official records, but their impact was significant in sustaining the military forces.

Spanish-American War: Women's Support and Nursing Roles

The Spanish-American War of 1898 was a conflict between the United States and Spain, largely over the independence of Cuba. Social expectations of women had evolved since the Mexican-American War, allowing for more active roles in society, including involvement in charitable and humanitarian efforts.

During the Spanish-American War, women were crucial in supporting the troops and providing medical care. The Women's Relief Corps, an organization of Civil War nurses, sent members to care for sick and wounded soldiers. Women also volunteered as nurses in military hospitals, treating the wounded with compassion and dedication. The exact number of women involved in these roles is not definitively documented. Still, their contributions were widely recognized and appreciated, laying the groundwork for future advancements in women's roles in the military and society.

World War I (WWI): Policy Change and Courageous Women

World War I (1914-1918) was a global conflict primarily centered in Europe and involving many of the world's great powers. Trench warfare, chemical weapons, and significant loss of life characterized it. Social expectations of women during this time were largely traditional, with limited roles outside the home.

During WWI, women were allowed to serve in non-combat roles to free up men for frontline duty. Approximately 21,000 women served in the Army Nurse Corps, providing critical medical care to wounded soldiers. Over 11,000 women served in other capacities, including as yeomen (clerical workers) and in various support roles. Their service was instrumental in maintaining the military's functionality and supporting the war effort.

Notable figures from this era include Opha May Johnson, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1918 before women even had the right to vote, and Loretta Perfectus Walsh, the first official woman enlisted in any service. These women made history by serving in various capacities during WWI, demonstrating courage and breaking barriers during societal change.

World War II (WWII): Policy Change and Courageous Women

World War II (1939-1945) was a global conflict that involved most of the world's nations, including the Axis powers (Germany, Italy and Japan) and the Allies (United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union and others) and had a profound impact on society, including gender roles and expectations. By WWII, the number of women in the military had grown significantly, with over 350,000 women serving in various capacities. These women served in roles ranging from nurses to pilots to mechanics, breaking barriers and proving their capabilities in traditionally male-dominated fields. Their contributions during WWII were pivotal in helping secure victory for the Allies.

The post-WWII era brought about the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act in 1948, a legislative milestone formally allowing women to serve in the military. This act marked a significant step toward gender equality in the armed forces and recognized the valuable contributions of women during the war. During WWII, women served in various roles, including the Women's Army Corps, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service in the Navy, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Their service helped support the war effort and paved the way for future generations of women to serve in the military. The courage and dedication of these women in the face of adversity contributed significantly to the eventual Allied victory and reshaped perceptions of women's capabilities in the military and society.

During WWII, women in the military represented a tapestry of backgrounds, with their experiences influenced by intersecting identities like race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Women of color played pivotal roles, facing unique challenges and making substantial contributions. For instance, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the "Six Triple Eight," was a segregated unit of African-American women. They played a critical role in ensuring mail delivery to soldiers in Europe, navigating not just the hardships of war, but also the prevalent discrimination and segregation of the time. Their efforts, alongside those of women from diverse backgrounds, underscored women's vital role in the military during WWII.

1950s: Cold War Era Begins

The Cold War era (1947-1991) was characterized by political tension and military rivalry between the United States and its NATO allies, and the Soviet Union and its allies. This period saw significant advancements in military technology and strategies, as well as a focus on maintaining military readiness and deterrence.

During the Cold War, women continued to serve in various roles in the military, including as nurses, administrators and support personnel. Women's contributions during this time were significant, as they provided essential support to the troops and helped maintain the military's operations and readiness.

Statistics from this period show that women's participation in the military continued to increase, with a growing number of women serving in various capacities. While women's roles were still limited compared to men, their service during this time laid the groundwork for future advancements in gender equality in the armed forces. The social expectations of women during this time were largely traditional, with women expected to fulfill domestic roles while supporting the military.

Korean War: Women's Contributions in a Forgotten Conflict

The Korean War (1950-1953) was a conflict between North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and South Korea, supported by the United Nations and primarily the United States. The war was a result of the division of Korea after World War II and ended in a truce rather than a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula divided to this day.

The Korean War marked the first time women were deployed overseas in large numbers. Women served in various capacities during the Korean War, including nurses, administrators and support personnel. Their contributions during this conflict were significant, as they provided essential support to the troops and helped maintain the military's operations and readiness.

Statistics from the Korean War show that approximately 120,000 women served in the U.S. military during the conflict. While women's roles were still limited compared to men, their service during this period laid the groundwork for future advancements in gender equality in the armed forces. The social expectations of women during this time were largely traditional, with women expected to fulfill domestic roles while supporting the war effort. However, women's participation in the military during the Korean War challenged these expectations and helped pave the way for greater gender equality in the decades that followed.

Vietnam War: Women's Roles and Challenges

During the Vietnam War (1955-1975), women served in various roles, including nurses, intelligence officers and support personnel. The Vietnam War marked a significant shift in the role of women in the military, with more women serving in combat support roles than in previous conflicts. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, women in Vietnam made important contributions to the war effort.

Statistics show that approximately 11,000 military women served in Vietnam during the conflict. Among them were the first female general, Anna Mae Hays, and Capt. Mary Therese Klinker, a nurse who died in a plane crash while evacuating Vietnamese orphans.

1970s: Military Service Academies Open to Women

In the 1970s, another significant policy change occurred as women were admitted to U.S. military service academies like West Point and Annapolis. This step ensured that women received the same education and training as their male counterparts, setting the stage for future generations.

Nearly 4,000 women graduated from the service academies in the first decade of their admission. This milestone marked a significant step towards gender equality in the military and provided women with opportunities for leadership and advancement.

1970s: Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

While not specific to the military, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) aimed to eliminate discrimination based on sex. Its passage in Congress increased discussions about gender equality within the armed forces. The ERA sparked debates about the role of women in the military, and their rights and protections under the law.

1973: End of Draft and Transition to an All-Volunteer Force

With the end of the draft in 1973, the U.S. military transitioned to an all-volunteer force, including both men and women. Women were no longer limited to voluntary service and could choose military careers as a viable option. This change expanded opportunities for women in the military and led to increased recruitment efforts to attract female candidates.

1978: Women's Army Corps Disbanded

The Women's Army Corps was disbanded in 1978, integrating female soldiers into the regular Army. This move signaled a commitment to gender integration in the military and recognized the valuable contributions of women in uniform.

Gulf War: Women's Expanded Roles and Combat Support

The 1990s: Combat Aviation and Navy Ships Open to Women

The 1990s witnessed significant policy changes as women were allowed to fly combat missions and serve on Navy combat ships, breaking barriers in combat roles. Female pilots played vital roles during the Gulf War, and women served on Navy ships, expanding their contributions to the military.

During the Gulf War (1990-1991), over 40,000 women served in various roles, including combat support positions. Women pilots flew transport and refueling missions, while others served as medics, intelligence officers and in logistics roles. Their contributions were essential to the mission's success and demonstrated the expanding role of women in the military.

1993: Combat Exclusion Policy Revision

In 1993, the combat exclusion policy was revised to allow women to serve in more roles and units, although it still excluded them from direct ground combat positions. This revision expanded career opportunities for women in the military and recognized their capabilities and contributions.

1997: Women in Military Service for America Memorial

The Women in Military Service for America Memorial, established in 1997 at Arlington National Cemetery, stands as a tribute to women’s service in the U.S. military. This monument recognizes and preserves the history of women’s dedication to their country.

As of 2022, over 258,000 women have registered with the memorial, highlighting the significant contributions of women to the military throughout history. The monument serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of women in uniform and honors their legacy for future generations.

Global War on Terrorism: Iraq and Afghanistan

Between 2001 and 2020, the United States was engaged in two major military conflicts: the Iraq War, which began in 2003 with the invasion of Iraq by a coalition led by the U.S.; and the war in Afghanistan, which started in 2001 with the U.S. invasion to oust the Taliban regime following the 9/11 attacks. These conflicts were part of the broader Global War on Terrorism.

During this time, the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror led to increased deployment of women in combat roles. In 2013, the Department of Defense lifted the ban on women serving in direct ground combat roles, marking a significant policy change. Women made important contributions during this period, serving in roles ranging from combat medics to intelligence officers and demonstrating their adaptability and courage in various capacities.

Trailblazing Women Veterans

The history of women in the U.S. military is a testament to their courage, resilience, and dedication. From our nation's founding to today, women have played pivotal roles in shaping the armed forces, breaking barriers, and championing gender equity. As we celebrate Military Women's History Month, let us honor and remember the women who have served and continue to serve our country with distinction, shaping the future of the U.S. armed forces. Please celebrate with us and listen to the Tango Alpha Lima podcast's four-part special, “Trailblazing Women Veterans” as we dive into notable figures and key events covered in this article.