WASHINGTON -- As the nation celebrates Women's History Month, the U.S. Army extends its gratitude to the women who have served, and continue to serve, in its ranks. Women have played vital roles in the U.S. Army since the Revolutionary War, and today's women -- Soldiers, veterans, family members and civilian employees -- are critical members of the Army team.
"More than 181,000 women serve in the Army today, from enlisted personnel to general officers," said Ryan McCarthy, Secretary of the Army. "The Army is proud of our women Soldiers, who serve with distinction as role models as they exemplify our highest values."
Women Soldiers make up 18 percent of the regular Army, the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, and 36 percent of the Army's civilian workforce is female.
Today's women serve in every career field in the Army. Nearly 1,500 female Soldiers have accessed into infantry, armor, and fire-support occupations; forty-two women have graduated from Ranger School, and five have been assigned to the Ranger Regiment; and last June, Brig. Gen. Laura Yeager became the first woman to command an Army infantry division.
The Army continues to integrate female Soldiers into all units and occupations, and has adopted gender-neutral standards for all occupational specialties. Female and male Soldiers undergo the same training and must pass course requirements to be awarded a military occupational specialty in any career field.
"The Army is people and the incredible contributions and achievements of our female Soldiers contribute significantly to the strength of America's Army," said Gen. James McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army. "Our diversity and commitment to selecting the best-qualified people, regardless of gender, for each job in the Army makes the all-volunteer force the most-ready and powerful in the world."
From the 21,000 women who served in the Army Nurse Corps during WWI, to the 150,000 who served in the Women's Army Corps during WWII, to the 181,000 who proudly serve today -- the Army salutes our women Soldiers.
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