Synopses & Reviews
Women in the United States Armed Forces: A Guide to the IssueS≪/i> covers over a century of accomplishments of military women, from the Civil War to the current wars in the Middle East. Readers will learn, for example, that during World War II, 565 women in the Women's Army Corps stationed in the Pacific theater received combat decorations, proving that women had the courage, strength, and stamina to perform in a combat environment. They will also learn that, perhaps surprisingly, it wasn't until the mid- to late 1970s that women had their first opportunities to serve at sea and as aviators (crew as well as pilots), albeit on noncombatant ships and aircraft.
The book's final four chapters discuss the issues that continue to plague women in the military, including sexual harassment, noting that women's performance in America's two-front wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have made a positive difference in attitudes. The handbook closes with an epilogue that is at once a summary of the issues and a call for action.
Review
"Iskra (leadership education and development, U. of Maryland, College Park), a retired Navy commander who was the first woman to command a ship, examines the history, policies, and current issues affecting women in the US military. The first chapter traces contributions of women from the American Revolution up to 1990, the legislation and policies that authorized women to enter the military, and the changes that occurred over the twentieth century to expand their roles. She then discusses policy and practice changes since 1990, such as those allowing women to fly combat aircraft and be assigned as permanent ship's company on surface combatant ships; the issue of citizenship rights and responsibilities
and restrictions on women's roles, especially the ground combat exclusion and arguments for women's registration for selective service; the lives of female heroes, prisoners of war, and those who have earned awards; and concerns like gender discrimination, sexual harassment and assault, and conflicts with marriage and family." - Reference & Research Book News
Review
"When it comes to women in uniform, Darlene Iskra has 'covered the waterfront' both personally and professionally. The first woman to command a Navy ship and one of their first female divers, she went on to author legislation prohibiting the Pentagon from covering U.S. servicewomen in abayas during tours in the Mideast. Now she's authored a thorough and compelling account of the historic—and evolving—roles America's military women play in our national defense." < p="">Susan Scanlan < br=""> Chair, National Council of Women's OrganizationS & Lt;br > President, Women's Research & Education Institute <> < p=""> <>
Review
"CDR Darlene M. Iskra gives voice and vision to women in uniform; women that are tenacious, proud, brave and capable; representatives of the nation they serve. CDR Iskra's research and incremental documentation provides a foundation for achieving future milestones by women in the Armed Forces." < p="">RADM Karen A. Harmeyer < br=""> NC, USNR, RET <>
Review
"In writing this book, Darlene Iskra draws upon the intersecting experiences of two careers. As a Navy officer, she experienced personally many of the advances made during the gender integration of the American armed forces, and was at the forefront of several of them. As a professional sociologist, she is able to place the voice of the servicewoman in the context of the broader social and political changes that produced and accompanied the end of military conscription and the adoption of an all-recruited military force: a transition that could not have been successful without broadening the participation of women in the services. This book should be used as a resource for anyone trying to understand how far we have come, where we now stand, and what obstacles still remain in the road toward full gender integration." < p="">David R. Segal, Professor of Sociology, University of Maryland <>
Review
"This is an important book because it is an account of the historical evolution and service of women in the military—as only Commander Darlene Iskra can tell it. Her unique research is extensive, thorough and objective. As she tells the women's stories, one can almost hear their voices. With this book, Commander Iskra has made a great contribution to American history. Her outstanding record of service in defense of America makes this a credible and groundbreaking work." < p="">Clara L. Adams-Ender < br=""> Brigadier General, US Army, retired < br=""> Author of < i=""> My Rise to the StarS & Lt; / i > <> < p=""> <>
Review
"This volume will be useful for anyone researching women in the military, but especially for policy makers. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers." - Choice
Review
"Dr. Iskra documents the significant contributions of military women to military readiness. She also directly addresses the challenges that must be met to achieve full integration of women in the U.S. armed forces. Well written and thoroughly documented, this book is a 'must read' for defense analysts involved with military personnel issues." < p="">The Honorable Carolyn Becraft < br=""> Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower & Reserve Affairs), 1998 - 2001 <> < p=""> <>
Synopsis
This handbook provides the reader with an historical and contemporary overview of the service by women in all branches of the U.S. military, tracing the causes and effects of evolving policies, issues, structural barriers, and cultural challenges on the record and in the future of the accomplishments by women warriors.
Synopsis
• Includes results of a proprietary survey undertaken for this book
• Offers a chronology of women's history to present day
Synopsis
General Ann Dunwoody, the first woman to achieve the rank of four-star general, earned her promotion in 2008, 60 years after women were first admitted to the military on a permanent basis. Even today, policies and legislation keep women from pursuing certain types of jobs like ground combat positions, making it difficult for more women to attain the highest ranks.
Synopsis
• Provides an abbreviated history of women in the military as a starting point for student study and in order to focus on current issues of importance to women in or considering joining the military
• Concisely explains the structural limitations women face in the military solely because of their gender, not their capabilities
• Is the only book that lists all of the U.S. military women POWs to date, as well as the only book that highlights the success of women's participation in combat