Women in the Military

December 1, 2018
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. (timeline, notes, glossary, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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February 15, 2019
Grades 8-12 Women have been involved in war since the third century?as queens defending their nation, as loyal warriors wanting to protect their home from invasion. Women in early America pretended to be men to fight in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. Slow progress has been made in the American military itself: at first accepted only as nurses and clerks, women were finally allowed into combat in 2016. Readers will learn how women fought to be included in this final facet of war. In addition, the book does not shy away from addressing segregation and racial tensions, LGBTQIA issues, and the sexual harassment and assault that are ongoing problems and challenges in the military. Furthermore, it gently reminds everyone that women make up a huge section of the veteran population and should be treated with respect, just like their male counterparts. Included in the back matter are a wealth of print and digital resources that will allow curious readers to do more extensive research.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)