The Right to Fight

The next time your nerves rattle before a big presentation, picture yourself in combat boots.

In anticipation of Memorial Day, Little PINK Book explores the current state of women in the military and how they’re fighting for a voice – and of course, freedom.

Women in uniform are more likely to be minorities (31 percent vs. 16 percent) and less likely to be married than their male counterparts. However, they’re just as likely to be officers (17 percent of women vs. 15 percent of men).

“Though changes have occurred over the years, that doesn’t necessarily mean opinions toward women serving have changed,” says Capt. Tameka Alderman of the U.S. Air Force’s Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

Until the mid-1970s, military women faced barriers like being discharged if they became pregnant.

But other obstacles remain – like the prevalence of personality disorder diagnosis and being discharged after reporting a sexual assault, according to CNN.

Current policies ban women in the army from fighting on the front lines (though many still do), but there is pressure from lawmakers and female veterans to do away with these “outdated” restrictions.

And there’s good news, like the recent announcement of the first female four-star general, the highest Air Force rank.

Plus, female marines broke barriers this year. They can now participate in ground combat as well as “artillery, combat engineering, low-altitude air defense, amphibious assault and combat assault,” according to The Daily.

Bonus PINK Link: Want more on women in uniform? Get it here.

and tell us your thoughts.

By Chateaux-Capri Sirmans

“Safeguarding the rights of others is the most noble and
beautiful end of a human being.” Khalil Gibran