Women In The Army History

Women's History Month is celebrated in March to honor the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It is a time to recognize and highlight the important role that women have played in shaping society and to promote gender equality. March was chosen as it coincides with International Women's Day, which is celebrated on March 8th every year. During this month, various events, exhibitions, and educational programs are organized to raise awareness about women's history and to inspire future generations.

Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody became the first female four-star general in military history and also became the first female to lead a major Army command Nov. 14, 2008. On that date she was promoted in a Pentagon ceremony and later that day she took command of Army Materiel Command headquartered on Fort Belvoir, Va. http://www.army.mil/women/profiles.html

On Sept. 22, 2009, Command Sgt. Maj. Teresa King became the first female commandant of the Drill Sergeant School at Fort Jackson, S.C. King said it is important to note that a hard worker will shine, regardless of gender. http://www.army.mil/women/profiles.html

Women have served in the United States Army since 1775. Currently, women serve in 91 percent of all Army occupations and make up about 14 percent of the Active Army. Women play crucial roles around the world today, and their sacrifices in this noble effort underscore their dedication to serving their country. http://www.army.mil/women/

Brig. Gen. Colleen L. McGuire assumed responsibility as the first woman provost marshal general of the Army and also took command of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command in a ceremony Thursday at Fort Belvoir.
http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/01/15/32999-first-woman-becomes-army-provost-marshal-general/index.html

The first-ever female general officer in the Judge Advocate General Corps, Brig. Gen. Coral Pietsch was also the first female Asian-American general officer in the U.S. Army.
http://www.army.mil/women/profiles.html

LTG Claudia J. Kennedy is the first female to reach the rank of three-star general in the U.S. Army. She retired in 2000 after 31 years of military service.

http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/MilitaryReview/Archives/English/MilitaryReview_20081031_art014.pdf

Sgt. Sherri Gallagher of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, who represented U.S. Training and Doctrine Command at Best Warrior, beat out 11 other competitors from the Army's major commands. Gallagher, who is currently stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., is one of the top long-range rifle shooters in the country.
http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/10/25/47144-first-female-selected-as-best-warriors-soldier-of-year/index.html

Dr. Walker is the first and only female Medal of Honor winner. Her Medal of Honor was rescinded in 1917 because of her involvement with the women’s suffrage movement. It was restored by President Carter on June 10, 1977 http://www.northnet.org/stlawrenceaauw/walker.htm

Class of 1981 West Point graduate Meg Kulungowski was a member of one of the first classes of graduating women from the academy. She and her daughter share the distinction of being the first mother-daughter team of West Point graduates.
http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/10/27/13664-west-points-first-mother-daughter-grads-reflect-on-service/

Hester became the first woman to earn the Silver Star Medal for exceptional valor since World War II. http://www.army.mil/women/profiles.html

Rodriguez is the first female instructor at Fort Benning's Army Combatives School.

At 5-foot-7 and 135 pounds, Rodriguez is used to being underestimated on the mats.....
http://www.army.mil/-news/2011/03/03/52729-school-welcomes-first-female-combatives-instructor/index.html

Colonel Anna Mae Hays, Chief, Army Nurse Corps was promoted to the grade of brigadier general. She became the first woman in the history of the U.S. Army to attain general officer rank. Colonel Elizabeth P. Hoisington, Director, Women's Army Corps, was also promoted to brigadier general at that same cermony. http://www.history.army.mil/html/topics/women/general_officers.html

Today, 70 percent of the positions in the Army are open to women, and women serve in 93 percent of all Army occupations (active duty and the reserve components), as of June 2009. http://www.army.mil/women/today.html