Integration of Women into the US Military

President Truman at the signing of the Women's Armed Services  Integration Act

        Prior to the Women's Armed Services Integration Act in 1948, the role of women in the branches of the US armed services occurred only during war time, with the notable exception of nurses. Women had served as nurses in every American war, but their roles outside of the hospital were limited. During World War I, women were recruited by the armed forces in large numbers to meet the shortage of man power. They served mostly in administrative positions, such as quartermasters, stenographers, translators, as well as their traditional role as nurses.World War II saw a similar large scale recruitment of women, and many were captured and killed during the war, primarily nurses serving near the front lines and in major hospitals. During this period, the military still discriminated against African-Americans, and women of color experienced two sets of limitations to advancement and selection for assignments.
        In 1948, President Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which allowed women to be regular members of the branches as well as be members of the reserves. This eliminated the practice of creating special women's components during war that would be disbanded at the end of the conflict. While a significant step in the direction of women's equality the Act still restricted women from combat roles, allowed them to be discharged without specific reason, limited promotions, and set a cap for recruitment numbers.

-Conor Cappe