MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

Female soldiers serving in the United States military may be a hot topic issue of debate in the modern day, however history shows that women have already served in the line of duty. It is also important to note that they have not just served in terms of support units, like nurses, radio operators, or spies, but actual soldiers fighting on the front lines. U.S. women though had to hide their service when they felt the patriotic urge to serve their country with a gun in their hand. From the American Revolutionary War and into the modern conflicts that are plaguing the Middle East, women have fought and died on the front lines fighting for this country’s future. From an historical point of view women should have always been allowed to serve in our military because they have proven time and time again they are just as capable at being soldiers as men are. Granted, women in today’s military do serve openly and are used in combat situations, but why was this not allowed before. Despite the fact there being evidence that women did serve secretly as combat soldiers since the Revolutionary War, the U.S. government did not see it necessary to recruit females unless in times of desperate need. In those times of need, it is important to note that those women still only served as support units and not as soldiers. Plus, many of those female units were not given military benefits or seen as veterans after the wars. The objective of this paper is to show that since the first fight this country engaged to secure independence and up to the modern day wars we are witnessing today, women have proven they are fit soldiers and should be used in every aspect of our military.