With Women’s History Month upon us, the Office of Enterprise Management (OEM) would like to recognize the remarkable achievements, resilience, and contributions of American women throughout history– especially those within the U.S. Army. Because for nearly 250 years, women have served as an invaluable and essential part of our organization, fulfilling vital roles and serving as critical members of our team.
From breaking barriers to pioneering advancements, female soldiers and civilians have been instrumental in shaping our organization, challenging norms, and championing equality.
Women’s Evolution Within the Army
Women have played various roles in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War, primarily as nurses, seamstresses, cooks, and laundresses. During World War I and World War II, women served in auxiliary units such as the Army Nurse Corps, Women's Army Corps (WAC), and other support roles. Post-World War II, in 1948, the Women's Armed Services Integration Act allowed women to serve as permanent, regular members of the armed forces. This marked a significant milestone in the inclusion of women in the Army.
Throughout the years, the roles available to women in the Army expanded. 1978 marked a milestone for their advancement when the WAC was abolished and women were fully integrated into the regular Army. This meant that women could now serve alongside men in many occupational specialties except combat.
That changed in 2013 when the Department of Defense (DoD) officially lifted the ban on women serving in battle. This decision opened more opportunities for women to work in frontline combat positions, including infantry, armor, artillery, and Special Forces, although physical and other standards still applied equally to men and women. This ensured that all soldiers, regardless of gender, possessed the necessary skills and capabilities to excel in combat situations.
Women have also risen to leadership positions within the Army over the past 250 years. Women are commanding units at various levels and, in recent years, there have been female generals and leaders in key roles across different branches and components of the Army. In fact, Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, is currently one of the four highest-ranking military women in the U.S. and led an assault helicopter battalion in Iraq. She is quoted as saying:
“Where else in the military can you be a helicopter pilot, work at the White House, work at the United States Capitol, work at the Pentagon and lead American sons and daughters in combat.” (AARP "Meet The Four Highest Ranking Women In The US", March 2023)
In addition to Richardson, there are many other trailblazing women who deserve recognition for their bravery, resilience, and loyalty to Country. Some even date back to the Civil War, proving that women’s pivotal role within the Army has been woven into the fabric of the history of our nation.
Notable Women in the Army
- Mary Edwards Walker: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was the first and only woman to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for her service as a contract surgeon during the Civil War. She was honored for her bravery and dedication to treating wounded soldiers, often risking her own safety to provide medical care. After the war, Walker became a vocal advocate for women's rights, including suffrage, dress reform, and gender equality. She was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement, participating in rallies and lectures across the country.
- Harriet Tubman: While primarily known for her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Tubman also served a nurse, spy, and scout, providing invaluable intelligence to Union Army forces and assisting in the planning and execution of several military campaigns in the Civil War. Tubman's knowledge of the southern landscape and her ability to gather intelligence behind enemy lines contributed significantly to the Union war effort. Of note, she helped lead an armed expedition in South Carolina that liberated over 700 slaves.
- Eliza "Lyda" Burton Conley: Conley was the first Native American woman to enlist in the Army. She served as a contract nurse during the Spanish-American War and later advocated for Native American rights, particularly regarding land ownership. Conley pursued a career in law, which was a remarkable achievement for a woman of her time, particularly a Native American woman. She attended the Kansas City School of Law and became the first Native American woman to be admitted to the Kansas bar in 1902. Conley's legal training would become instrumental in her advocacy efforts.
- Ann Dunwoody: General Ann Dunwoody made history as the first woman in the U.S. military to achieve the rank of four-star general in the U.S. Army. She served in various command and leadership positions throughout her career, including commanding the Army Materiel Command (AMC). Throughout her 38-year career, Dunwoody received numerous awards and honors, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit.
- Tammy Duckworth: Senator Tammy Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran who lost both of her legs when her helicopter was shot down. She served as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot and later became the first disabled and Thai-American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress. As a U.S. Senator, Duckworth has continued to champion veterans' rights and healthcare issues. She has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights, immigration reform, and environmental protection. Duckworth serves on several Senate committees, including the Armed Services Committee and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
These women, among many others, have broken barriers, demonstrated courage, and made lasting contributions to the United States Army and the nation as a whole. This month serves as a tribute to their accomplishments, acknowledging their struggles and successes, and forgoing forward to a limitless future!
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