Whether you’re starting on your professional journey, or considering a career change, the military might have crossed your mind. Women have played critical roles in the military throughout history. However, World War II was a major turning point for women at home and for the U.S. Armed Services. While husbands went off to fight in the war, women begin filling non-traditional roles, working in defense plants to support their husbands at war and to keep their households afloat.
It didn’t take long before women begin to also wear a uniform, enlisting working in office and clerical roles. They also rigged parachutes, repaired airplanes, served as test-pilots and so much more. Unfortunately, many of these stories can now only be found in books. As mentioned in the article, “How many WW2 veterans are still alive?”, only 3% are still alive today. However, if you ask them about women’s role in the war effort back then, they’d tell you it was crucial. During this time women were not authorized to serve in combat roles however, approximately 543 women died in war-related incidents. This includes 16 that died from enemy fire.
Despite not having the authorization, women have always been engaged in all aspects of the military. It was not until January 2013 that the ban was lifted and women could officially serve in combat. Today, there are around 2.5 million servicewomen in the U.S., more than ever before.
Why choose to serve?
There are many reasons why women choose to enter military service. Serving in the military opens up a whole world of opportunities, including travel, education, training and progression to leadership roles. The military also offers a fair amount of job security and benefits you would not find in other career paths. For example, the military can pay for you to go to college or can help to pay off college loans. Many choose to join because a family member served. Or, because they value service and serving in the military is the ultimate act of service.
Although women are well represented across all branches of the military, more women join the navy or air force, rather than the army or marines. Each service has its own unique culture and traditions and one will pique your interest. Factors like housing, benefits, ability to travel, and type of work will influence the branch a potential recruit decides to join. Take time to explore all branches and learn where the best fit is for you.
Which path will I take?
Women can serve in most positions in the military, whether as enlisted personnel or officers. To be an officer, you’ll typically need a four-year bachelor’s degree, whereas in other roles you need to be a high-school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate. However, only a limited number of individuals with a GED can enter the military each year. Anyone wanting to enlist must be at least 18 years of age (17 with parental consent) and cannot be older than 39, although the maximum age can be anywhere between 28 and 39 depending on the branch you enter and career field you choose.
Depending on your skills, experience, and test scores, there are a wide range of career choices your recruiter will discuss with you. As well as the more frontline combat jobs, there are machinery, weaponry, aviation maintenance, administration, human resources, and engineering positions, to name just a few. Medical careers are also popular and not just traditional physician and nursing roles. Medical roles include psychologists, dentists, podiatrists, and everything in between.
What about a family?
Many people considering the military for a career will be thinking about how it will affect family life. Life in the military can be tough, with long periods away from loved ones and other pressures on family life. Women have unique challenges, as they might have to navigate pregnancy and maternity leave with military life, which could present a challenge. Men also have to consider the possibility of not being there when a child is born, typically one a very significant moment in life. However, many women and men have been able to make it work. The army has expanded its maternity leave policy to 12 weeks fully paid. Greater numbers of women in the military could lead to more family-friendly policies in the future.
If you’re considering a career in the military, stop by your nearest recruitment office where they can answer all your questions. I was able to serve a full career in the military, earning a Masters Degree and becoming a mom. It was one of the best decisions I ever made… Whatever career choice you make, be sure to make it for you and give it your very best shot. Here’s to YOUR success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, and personality assessments. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
