Women have served in, or in support of, the US military since the days of the Continental Army – sometimes masquerading as men in order to serve.

On June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act into law. This law enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and recently formed Air Force.

Today, women serve in all military occupational specialties, including combat, and make up about 16% of the total US military strength.

To all the women who have served or are currently serving, thank you for your service!