In most countries in the world, women can serve in the army voluntarily. In Spain, Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom, there are special military units staffed by women. In some countries, females are heads of defense agencies and hold high ranks in the military. For instance, the Minister of Defense of Germany from 2013 to 2019 was Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman in this position. In 2008, Ann Dunwoody became the first woman in US history to receive the rank of four-star general. More than a hundred women in the United States now have the rank of general.
Even though it’s not a secret that women are a minority in the military and there are reasons for that. According to the U.S. Military Demographics, only 14.4% of all active members of the US army are female. Joining the military is a big decision for every woman that influences her whole life. That’s why while researching the military, it’s necessary to consider what you want to get in a carrier and what is the safest branch of the military for you. So let’s check the best branches suitable for females in the army.
Air Force
The process of standing for women in the Air force of America was quite difficult. During the period of World War II, a special department for females was created. It was called Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). 38 participants of the program perished, but they did not have the honors of the year, and they weren’t buried with any glory.
For many years women pilots tried to reach recognition for their merits. The title of veterans of the war was conferred on them only in 1977. And only in 2010, the WASP participants, who lost their lives, won one of the most important awards in the United States – the Congressional Gold Medal.
These days things are changed. This military branch is a great career solution for females who love technology and who want to be in the middle of the development process of one of the most highly advanced applicable training which can be extremely useful even if you decide to end a career in the military.
Space Force
These days the US is working on expanding the Air Force of the US by adding one new department for the Space Force. Although they are only in the process of forming the crew of such force from the Earth, there is an approximate field of work a woman can work in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM. However, the small initial cadre which is being built now includes the first civilian hire, Patricia Mulcahy.
The Space Force is a department that can protect GPS satellites, help fight space junk, and, if possible, prevent an asteroid from falling to Earth. That’s a great opportunity to be a part of innovative technologies which can help to create protection for the Earth in space.
Coast Guard
Although the Coast Guard is under the Department of Homeland Security it can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during the time of war. So if you still have doubts about whether to connect your life with the military, Coast Guard is for you. The Coast Guard has such direct tasks:
- Interception of immigrants
- Interception of drugs
- Security of ports, waterways, and coastlines
- Search and rescue
- Navigational assistance
- Maritime security
- Protection of natural marine resources and environment
But not only that. At the end of September 2021, the Coast Guard announced the launch of a program to include cybersecurity specialists in their departments as officers. IT positions are created to perform tasks related to information security, information technology development, and cyber threat intelligence. Becoming a marine IT specialist is quite a safe position in the defense force a female could apply for.
Navy
According to a well-known naval sign, if a woman stepped on board a ship, be sure to expect trouble. Today this statement is considered an anachronism. In 2010, the US Navy even allowed women to serve on nuclear submarines. Previously, it was prohibited due to medical contraindications. In 2016, the prestigious United States Military Academy (West Point) for the first time in the history of the educational institution was headed by a veteran of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, Brigadier General Diana Holland.
The Navy for females is an opportunity to visit many countries, get acquainted with different cultures, and so on. While you are on the ship you can be stationed at over 51 locations internationally. Do not forget about the possibility to work with high technologies and other cool jobs like Nuclear Power or Special Operations.
Final Thoughts
For decades, women have fought for the right to serve in the military and defend their homeland. And this struggle was not in vain. Now special military departments are created for females, women can hold leadership positions in the sphere of military defense, and so on. Of course, it’s difficult to name the safest military branches for everyone, not only for females, but every job has its dangerous side. These days the military is upgrading rapidly so you can serve in the army in your armchair monitor the radar and drink coffee.
About the Author
Linda R. Bedford
Linda is a Professional Resume Writer and Military to Civilian Transition Specialist. Her
expertise range across a large spectrum of industries. She loves coaching with people and helps job-seekers in transitioning to their next and best chapter.