Women Warriors Fighting a Three-Front War

The purpose of this research evolved over time. It became a study in tracing the evolution and history of women in combat, and discovering the biggest hurdle women have faced in their fight to be recognized as rightful members of the United States military. After reading books, journal articles, and law review articles, some commonalities emerged. Women have had to fight for their rightful place in the military on three simultaneous battlefields: in the military itself, in Congress, and in the courtroom. And one of the obstacles women have continually fought against, on each of these battlefields, is the paternalistic and subjugating attitudes of men. In the military, women have taken part in every American military crisis since the battle to establish our independence from British domination. Even though women weren't made a permanent part of the military until 1948, women have continued to prove themselves on the battlefield, despite resistance and resentment. In Congress, women faced resistance when seeking a permanent place in the military. After World War II, women's presence in the military was formally recognized, but limits were imposed on their service.