For many Black women, they are the first in their families to ever leave the safety and comfort of home, and step into the unfamiliar adventures – not to mention dangers – of life in the military. Along with new uniforms and boots, comes a new way of life. Women in the military have emerged from only being allowed to work in traditional support capacities, such as nurses and cooks, to becoming pilots, drivers and mechanics, to now fighting alongside their male counterparts in combat.
When the Army opened its doors to women in 1942, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp (WAAC) was established with 400 slots and only 40 of them were for Black women. Overcoming adversity, sexism, racism, and more also helped to open doors for Black women in other areas.
Not only did Black women face the hardship of discrimination outside of the military, but faced segregation within. Women in the Black WAACs were in a separate company than white trainees, had separate housing, dining tables, and even recreation areas. At the end of training, there were 36 Black women left to graduate with the rank of third officer.
The Army wasn’t the only branch where women wanted to serve, and other women’s units were established. Women who wanted to help the Navy joined the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), the Coast Guard had the SPAR, the Air Force had WASP, and the Marines Corps had the WR. The Army, however, was the only branch to allow Black women from its inception. Despite this fact, recruitment of Black women proved difficult. Segregation meant many Black women didn’t want to join, and Black WAACs still faced discrimination. The Black Press helped monitor and speak out against discrimination in the military, including within the WAACs. Reports came out that Black WAACs with college degrees were being assigned to cleaning duty. The press demanded a Black woman to be assigned to the WAAC director’s office to monitor and address discrimination complaints.
In July of 1943, it was announced that the women of WAAC would be classified under the same ranks as soldiers, a big victory for women’s equality. The name changed to the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). Black WACs didn’t receive the same specialized training that white WACs had, and most were trained in motor equipment, cooking, or administrative work. One of the biggest complaints amongst Black WACs was that there were no Black units overseas. Unfortunately, the WAC had to abide by all Army regulations, and overseas commanders had the right to designate race of units being sent, and no Black WACs were requested. But with the help of Eleanor Roosevelt speaking on their behalf, the War Department directed commanders to accept Black WACs.
After high school, my parents informed me there was not enough money for me to go to college. Joining the military was never something that crossed my mind, even with my dad serving nearly 20 years at the time. After listening to my dad’s speech about traveling the world and getting money for school, I enlisted. That’s how my journey started. It’s one that took me from to Germany to Austria to Amsterdam. I was also able to pay for college. My service held a lot of struggle and opposition, at times being the only woman or only Black person. But more so, I experienced great pride and reward.
I am always grateful for those 40 Black women who were determined to serve, and knew that this nation belonged to them too. So, when we talk about Black women trailblazers, the military has to be on the list.
As of now, half of the United States Army Sergeant Majors are Black women. While they are less likely to reach the top levels of the commissioned officer ranks, their numbers in the enlisted ranks mean they fill top advisory and mentoring roles. This is a big deal, because enlisted noncommissioned officers have more years of experience than officers at the same level, and they can provide much guidance to those younger soldiers.
Throughout history, Black women have worked to increase diversity and inclusion in the military. Cathay Williams was the first Black woman to serve in the military, posing as a man to fulfill a three-year contract with the Union army. In 1866, she would join the 38th U.S. Infantry Regiment and would travel throughout the West as a buffalo soldier.
This year marks 75 years since the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act was passed, which permitted women to serve as full members of the U.S. Armed Forces in every branch. It also marks a decade since the Pentagon reversed its policy allowing women to serve on combat ships, even though it banned them from serving in direct ground combat.
Black women have held crucial roles that opened doors for other Black women in today’s military. Many have survived trauma and harassment from the very men assigned to be their leaders. They have pushed through the door when the government they fought for told them no. Nonetheless, Black women in the military have always found a way to persevere against all odds. They continue to make major contributions in service to our nation, and for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude.
