Women in the Military

Women were first allowed to serve in the United States military during World War I, when they were recruited to fill non-combat roles such as nurses, telephone operators, and clerical workers.

The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was the first women's military unit in the United States. It was established in 1942 and disbanded in 1946.

Approximately 350,000 women served in the United States military during World War II.

The highest rank that a woman could achieve in the United States military during World War II was Colonel.

The Army had the most women serving during World War II, with over 200,000 women serving in various roles.

Mary Edwards Walker was the first woman to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States.

Women were first allowed to serve in combat roles in the United States military in 1993, when President Bill Clinton signed a law lifting the ban on women in combat.

The Air Force was the first branch of the United States military to open all combat roles to women, in 1994.

The United States military repealed the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in 2011, allowing openly gay and lesbian people to serve in the military.

Katherine Johnson was the first woman to serve as Secretary of the Army, from 2015 to 2017.

Sarah T. Hughes was the first woman to serve as Secretary of the Navy, from 1999 to 2001.

Sheila E. Widnall was the first woman to serve as Secretary of the Air Force, from 1993 to 1997.

Linda L. Reynolds was the first woman to serve as Commandant of the Marine Corps, from 2019 to 2021.

Approximately 200,000 women are currently serving in the United States military.

Women make up approximately 15% of the United States military.