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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060 Women in the U.S. Navy: Historic Documents Women in U.S. Military during Desert Shield/Desert Storm Source : Appendix R, "Role of Women in the Theater of Operations" in Conduct of the Persian Gulf War: Final Report to Congress . vol.2 Washington: Department of Defense, 1992.
Role of Women in the Theater of Operations
"They endured the same living conditions, duties, and responsibilities .... They performed
professionally and without friction or special consideration." - US Marine Officer
Introduction
Department of Defense (DOD) women played a vital role in the theater of operations. By late February, more than 37,000 military women were in the Persian Gulf, making up approximately 6.8 percent of US forces. By Service, there were approximately 26,000 Army, 3,700 Navy, 2,200 Marine, and 5,300 Air Force (USAF) women deployed. Women served in almost all of the hundreds of occupations open to them; as a matter of law and policy, women were excluded from certain specific combat military occupational specialties.
Job Functions of Women During Desert Shield/Storm
Women were administrators, air traffic controllers, logisticians, engineer equipment mechanics, ammunition technicians, ordnance specialists, communicators, radio operators, drivers, law enforcement specialists and guards. Many women truck drivers hauled supplies and equipment into Kuwait. Some brought enemy prisoners of war back to holding facilities. Many flew helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft. Still others served on hospital, supply, oiler and ammunition ships. Others served as public affairs officers and chaplains. Several women commanded brigade, battalion, company, and platoon size units in the combat service support areas. They endured the same harsh conditions as their male counterparts. The deployment of women was highly successful. Women performed admirably and without substantial friction or special considerations. | |
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