ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the current demographics of the armed forces, with specific focus on the contributions of women across the branches of the military. It includes several ourstorical milestones that have significantly impacted their evolving roles of increased leadership and recognition. The concept and actual experiences of military service are far removed from the day-to-day life for the average American. There exist multiple reasons why people choose to serve in the military: an adulthood rite of passage, continuing a family tradition, adventure, job training, future employment and education opportunities. For many, especially marginalized populations within American society such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and women, military service represented the opportunity to access a meritocracy and opportunity for equal status of citizenship denied to them in the civilian sector. The chapter concludes with the current state of the military and pending policies that could impact future service requirements for its citizens.
