The U.S. Army celebrates Women’s History Month beginning March 1st and continuing throughout the month. This year’s national and Department of Defense theme is “Our History is Our Strength” and “Army Strong-” These women warriors have been a major part of the Army’s history since its inception and we continue to honor their service.
Female Soldiers play a vital role in today’s Army. Leadership opportunities for women abound with female Soldiers serving in a variety of missions and in many different capacities. They are part of the Army team and Army family and are welcome and sought after for a variety of careers that offer personal and professional growth. Women, both uniformed and civilian, have served with distinction in every war this Nation has ever fought and continue to play a vital and crucial role. Their sacrifices, professionalism and bravery set and exceed the standard and underscore their dedication and willingness to share the responsibility of countering the enemy threat.
View the profiles below of a few of the Army’s great Female Soldiers:
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. Approximately 5 percent of general officers in the Army are women, which includes mobilized Army Reserve and Army National Guard general officers.
During an ambush of her convoy in Iraq, Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester and her squad repelled at least 30 insurgents. The actions of Hester and her comrades earned them great praise for their tactics and actions. Hester became the first woman to earn the Silver Star Medal for exceptional valor since World War II.
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.
To learn more about the history of Women in the Army and additional profiles, visit the Women in the Army official microsite.
Help us celebrate Women in the Army by telling us about your dynamic female Soldier.