US Army highlighting notable women throughout the month, showing how women are Essential to the army.
Soldiers conduct Modern Army Combatives training at Fort George G. Meade, Md., July 22, 2022. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Henry Villarama)
The US Army celebrates Women’s History Month during March by recognizing the contributions to the Army by notable women, and the sacrifices of women in today’s Army. Women’s History Month is observed throughout the month of March and honors and celebrates the struggles and achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States.
Women have served in the United States Army since 1775 and remain an invaluable and essential part of the Army today. As of October 31, 2022, there were 1,019 women serving within the Active Component infantry, armor, and field artillery branches.
By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women’s History Month. This momentum and state-by-state action was used as the rational to lobby Congress to declare the entire month of March as National Women’s History Month. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women.
Recently, the U.S. Army raised its enlistment bonus to $50,000 for qualified individuals who enlist for a six-year active duty commitment. For some high priority specialties, the Army is offering career-based incentives that range from $1,000 up to $40,000.
Aside from the career-based bonuses, there are “quick ship” bonuses for those who are prepared to head to Basic Combat Training within 90 days of up to $25,000. As part of the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program, foreign language skills can be worth up to $40,000 for certain career paths.
The Army also has a two-year enlistment option for 84 different career fields, ranging from infantry and combat engineers to paralegals and aviation operations specialists. Those who choose the two-year plan will serve two years full-time on active duty and then two years in the Army Reserve. Officials say this shorter enlistment opportunity allows individuals the ability to see if the Army is a good fit for them without immediately committing to a three- or six-year enlistment.
Additionally, the previous Department of Defense policy which mandated a COVID-19 vaccination for all incoming and current DoD members has been rescinded. Applicants enlisting into the US Army no longer have to agree to get vaccinated against COVID-19.