The United States officially allowed female soldiers to serve in the regular Army on June 12, 1948.
The Formal Establishment of Women in the Regular Army
This pivotal moment occurred when President Harry S. Truman signed a bill into law, officially integrating women into the permanent regular military services. Prior to this legislation, women had primarily served in auxiliary roles, particularly during periods of war. The 1948 act marked a significant shift, formally recognizing their allowance as full, regular members of the U.S. Army.
Key Milestones in the Integration of Women
Following the signing of the bill, the process of integrating women into the regular Army progressed swiftly:
- June 12, 1948: President Harry S. Truman signed the bill into law, establishing a permanent place for women within the regular military.
- July 1948: The first enlisted women officially entered the regular Army, beginning their service under the new law.
- December 1948: The initial group of Women's Army Corps (WAC) officers received their appointments to the regular Army, further solidifying women's roles.
Under this new legislation, women were permitted to enlist in the Army if they were between the ages of 18 and 35, providing a defined pathway for their contributions to national defense.
