Between Motherhood and the Motherland: Navigating Challenges to Rank Advancement of Women in the U.S Army
Major
International and Global Studies
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Humanities, Political Science, Women's and Gender Studies
Faculty Advisor
Greg Shaw
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-11-2026 8:30 AM
End Date
4-11-2026 9:45 AM
Abstract
Female officers remain a minority in the U.S. Army. Motherhood, dependent care, and sexual assault are some of the reasons why they decide to give up on their career. The following study intends to examine how the impact of policy changes to accommodate female army officers increased retention and consequently promoted the rank advancement of women in rank of major, or O4 and above. Through conversations with 14 male and female armed forces officers, it is evident that the gender neutral culture of the army proves to be detrimental for women’s rank advancement. In order for women to have both a successful career and start a family, the army needs to implement accommodations that counteract the culture of gender neutrality, of an institution that is inherently male.
Between Motherhood and the Motherland: Navigating Challenges to Rank Advancement of Women in the U.S Army
CNS Atrium
Female officers remain a minority in the U.S. Army. Motherhood, dependent care, and sexual assault are some of the reasons why they decide to give up on their career. The following study intends to examine how the impact of policy changes to accommodate female army officers increased retention and consequently promoted the rank advancement of women in rank of major, or O4 and above. Through conversations with 14 male and female armed forces officers, it is evident that the gender neutral culture of the army proves to be detrimental for women’s rank advancement. In order for women to have both a successful career and start a family, the army needs to implement accommodations that counteract the culture of gender neutrality, of an institution that is inherently male.