The Women's Army Corp (1942-1978)
Abstract
Women in the United States served their country in numerous wars, failing to receive recognition for the parts that they played, often denied benefits received by males. It was not until Congresswoman Rogers pursued legislation to petition congress on behalf of women who served were the role of women serving taken seriously. Finally, as the US prepared to invade Europe, women were actively recruited to serve in the military. In July 1942 the first applications for volunteers to enlist in the auxiliaries (enlisted women) Corp were received, some of these women had applied as officers and were denied entrance so they stayed on and did not have to reapply. The first group of enlisted trained for four-weeks in Fort Des Moines, and were assigned to Aircraft Warning units. By October 1942, enlisted women were performing duties up and down the eastern seaboard. Initially the auxiliaries worked clerical and motor pool jobs until they transferred to other jobs. Enlisted women were ranked differently than men; they were ranked in descending order such as chief leader, a position comparable to master sergeant in the Regular Army, through junior leader comparable to corporal, and down to auxiliary, comparable to private.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 18, 2010
- Accession Number
- AD1140273
Entities
People
- Arlene F Nash
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy