Notes on Women in the U.S. Military

Introduction

Establishment of women's permanent presence in the military
- Women's Medical Specialist Corps
- Army Nurse Corps
- Women's Army Corps

1970: First women promoted to Brigadier General
- Positions held by Chief of Army Nurse Corps and Director of Women's Army Corps
2008: General Anne Dunwoody becomes the first and only female four-star general

1971: Women allowed in all-male drill sergeant schools and NCO Academy program
1972: All military occupational specialties open to women (except combat training)
- Ban on women commanding mixed-gender units lifted
1977: Integration of women into basic training units alongside men
1978: Disbandment of Women's Army Corps
1979: Equal enlistment qualifications for men and women
2015: First women complete Army Ranger School
- First Lieutenant Shea Haber
- Captain Kristen Greist
- Major Lisa Jaster
2015: Specialist Skylar Anderson becomes the first woman to graduate as a combat engineer
2014: Captain Lauren Glover is the first female commander of the U.S. Army Drill Team

1980: First women graduate from the United States Military Academy
2015: Lieutenant General West becomes the highest-ranking woman graduate from West Point, named Surgeon General of the U.S. Army

2016: Army opens all specialties, career fields, and branches to women
- Best qualified individuals, regardless of gender, can serve

I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I maintain discipline, physical and mental toughness.
I am trained and proficient in warrior tasks and careers.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the U.S. in close combat.
I am an expert and professional in my field.