WOMEN IN THE MILITARY

This insightful look at women serving in all branches of the United States military reveals great obstacles that have been overcome and those that remain.

Beginning with a brief historical overview, the book explains that women have served in combat roles for millennia, but it was not until 2016 that the Department of Defense removed all barriers to service for American women, including combat. Nonetheless, objections persist: Women are minorities in all branches of the U.S. military and are frequently subjected to sexism, sexual harassment, and violence. Women may also face additional layers of racial and sexual orientation discrimination. Female combat veterans face the same problems as their male counterparts, such as PTSD, accessing adequate care from the Veterans Administration, homelessness, and suicide. Despite these obstacles, the book emphasizes the positive, as thousands of women volunteer for military service, and many pursue lifelong careers. Through interviews with women from all military branches, Goldsmith (Pandemic, 2018, etc.) profiles the tremendous variety of jobs they do. Many describe the personal satisfaction and career advantages they have gained through military service. References to #MeToo and well-known veterans such as Tammie Jo Shults and Sen. Tammy Duckworth make this a timely offering. Photographs (many in full color) showing servicewomen of varying ages and ethnicities, infographics, and sidebars enhance the lively and accessible text.

A thorough account of interest to report writers as well as young women considering a military career.