Women's Role In The Military Research Paper

Women make up about 14 percent of our military today, that’s about 200,000 ladies risking their lives for our country. (History) They have many jobs, such as nurses, gunners, and engineers. People have finally recognized the important roles women have in the military by allowing them to play a part in ground combat. The idea of women fighting alongside men is heavily debated. Some actions women personnel have displayed are too significant to be overlooked. Women have been playing crucial roles in the United States military since the Revolutionary War, whether serving as nurses or serving in combat, women have been vital in the success of the military. Women have been fighting for their rightful place in the U.S. military for hundreds of years. The earliest women fighter was Deborah Sampson. Deborah Sampson changed her name to Robert Shurleff and dressed as a man in order to fight in the Revolutionary War. Her incredible stamina and tall stature allowed her to blend in easily. Deborah was eventually caught when she was in the hospital with a fever, and was asked to leave the military. …show more content…
The Civil War became the first war where women could serve as nurses, and World War II was the first battle where women could work as any job except combat. The Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allowed women to have a place in all of the branches of the military, meaning they could now take on some combat positions, but with many restrictions. Females could not be ranked above lieutenant colonel, they could not make up more than two percent of the military, and they could not go back into service after having a child. From the years 1967-1976, these restrictions were lifted, and the military became an all-volunteer military. This allowed ladies to have a chance to sign up, and have place in the military. 2013 became the first year where women could take on most combat roles.