This weekend marks two significant military dates that are important in honoring the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the armed forces. On Friday, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates its 248th Birthday, marking a rich tradition of valor, camaraderie, and service to the nation. The Marine Corps has a storied history of defending the United States and its interests around the world.
Then, on Saturday, the nation observes Veteran’s Day, set aside to honor all veterans, past and present, for their service and dedication to preserving our freedoms. It is a time to express gratitude to those who have selflessly defended our nation and to recognize the sacrifices they and their families have made. It’s worth noting that the significance of these dates is not limited to men alone; there are currently over 2 million women veterans in the United States. These women have played pivotal roles in various military branches, contributing their skills, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our nation’s defense. Their service and contributions are an integral part of the military’s history and its ongoing strength.
Figure 1: Demographics of Veteran 2022
Source: National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics
Figure 1 displays the demographic breakdown of women veterans. Most women veterans are white, comprising almost 70% of the population. Black women account for 20%, while Hispanic women comprise 10%. Asian and American Indian women together represent less than 4% of the total veteran women population. Please see our previous infographic “Women In The Military” to see how Women Veteran representation compares to Women Active-Duty representation for enlisted members and officers.
Transitioning From The Military
Transitioning to civilian life after serving in the military can be a daunting process. When I left the Navy, I had to manage moving my family from Jacksonville, FL to Atlanta, GA, finding a job, and a new place to live. Moreover, I had to adjust to a 25% reduction in my pay, including food, housing, and medical benefits. However, women who are transitioning from military service face even greater challenges.
The Military Times identifies three key transition challenges that impact women veterans:
- They feel they have become invisible when leaving the service and often do not self-identify as a veteran;
- Military service in and of itself “de-feminizes” women, resulting in a variety of unexpected challenges associated with this deeply psychological transformation;
- A stark lack of peer support post-transition is often noted by female veterans where they report not feeling accepted by civilian women and struggle with finding a group of peers in which they feel supported and encouraged.
While there are no easy solutions to these issues, acknowledgment, and support can go a long way in combating these issues.
As we celebrate these important dates this weekend, remember to support our veterans as much as they supported our country during their service.
Happy Veterans Day!
