Military, Women in the

Women have served a vital role in just about every major battle and in every major military throughout history, but their official participation has been limited in most countries throughout time. Women's participation often comes in association with the military, in either civilian roles or in auxiliary corps, rather than as direct participants. Women's current [Page 957]position in most major world militaries is still quite precarious. Many countries are just now beginning to allow women's service, since many militaries still rely on the conscription of men to fill their ranks. Those women who do serve in militaries also face many barriers both occupationally and socially.

The most progressive inclusion of women in a major world military is the Israeli military, where women are active service ...