Treatment of Women in the Military

I am a rising junior girl and serving in the military has always been a dream of mine. I'm keen to hear about experiences of women in different military branches. Specifically, which military branch is known to treat their women personnel the best? Thanks in advance!

I can certainly provide some information on this topic and I hope it will be helpful to you. Each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force) values and respects all their personnel, regardless of gender. However, the experiences of service members can vary widely and it largely comes down to the individual unit and command culture within each branch.

But to outline some specifics:

1) The Air Force has been reported over the years to often have a projected image of being more 'corporate' than the other branches, which in turn may reflect a better overall culture of respect and equality.

2) The Navy has an extensive range of duty assignments that allow for integration and equal opportunities.

3) The Army and Marines tend to be more physically rigorous and combat-focused, often with a culture that some may view as more 'macho', but these branches are actively working on their inclusivity and treatment of women.

4) The Coast Guard, being smaller, tends to have a more close-knit community feel, which could potentially lead to a more supportive environment.

5) The Space Force, being the youngest branch, is developing its traditions and culture now, and this may present you an opportunity to actively shape an inclusive and respectful attitude towards women.

Remember, these characterizations are general and individuals can have very different experiences within each branch. And, of course, your enjoyment and success in any branch would depend largely on your specific role, command, and duty assignment.

It is also worth mentioning that while every branch has made strides towards gender equality, there are still important conversations ongoing about sexual harassment and assault within the military. Every branch is actively working to address these issues, and there are resources available for those in service who face these challenges.

Your goal to serve in the military is admirable. The best way to assess where you might fit best would be to consider the type of career you want within the military, then research that career across the different branches. It could also be beneficial to speak with recruiters from different branches as well as current or former servicewomen to get a first-hand perspective. Good luck on your journey!