Women in the Military – Standing United Amongst Men

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were approximately 205,500 active duty women in the military at the end of 2010. 166,800 of these women were enlisted, while 38,700 were officers.

Women in today’s military have many types of jobs, including becoming intelligence officers, military police, and medics.

U.S.A. Today reports that a new position is about to open up for women in the military this year.  A new law expected to go into effect in 2012 will allow women to become part of battalions, and be one step close to fighting the enemy on the ground.

For many women in the military, deciding whether to rely solely on their career or to balance their military life with a family is a big decision. However, many women face this challenge head-on, and are able to have both a family and a successful career.

Becoming Pregnant In the Military: Can You Really Have a Family?

If you are a woman in the military, each branch of the armed services can offer you specific help.

• Navy – The Navy provides many different types of help for women who become pregnant while enlisted. If a woman is aboard a ship, she is sent to shore to work while she is expecting. Top Navy hospital care is provided to ensure a safe and happy pregnancy and birth, and after the female soldier gives birth, she is given the option to defer deployment for up to 12 months.

• Army – If a women in the army becomes pregnant, she is provided with many different accommodations. She is exempt from regular PT training, and is instead provided with Pregnancy Postpartum PT, which along with exercise, gives women information about caring for their newborns and proper nutrition. After 20 weeks, pregnant women are exempt from standing at parade rest or attention for longer than five minutes. Women are also granted a four month deferment after giving birth, which prevents them from having to deploy during this time.

• Marines – Pregnant women in the Marines receive the same types of accommodations as those in the Army and Navy. They are exempt from standard PT and are instead allowed to take part in Pregnancy PT. Duties are restricted during pregnancy, and a 12 month deferment from military deployment is provided after the woman has given birth.

• Air Force – The Air Force also offers special fitness choices for expectant mothers, as well as classes on nutrition, what to expect during pregnancy, and information about caring for newborns. Pregnant women are exempt from fitness assessments while they are pregnant and for 180 days after they have given birth. Exemption from mobility is also provided for four months after delivery.

Finding Jobs After Military Life

While many women decide to stay in the military after giving birth, some may choose to discharge and lead a civilian life. If you have chosen to leave the military after starting a family, finding a new, well-paying job can be difficult.

Here are a few steps you can take to make it easier:

• Use your skills to your advantage. Your military career taught you many different skills; find out what civilian duties also require these qualities.

• Use the Veterans Job Bank Tool, which is available through the National Resource Directory, to search for available civilian jobs. Here you can search by keywords, location, or MOS.

• If you don’t have the skills for the civilian job you want, go back to college. Take steps toward earning your degree so you can find employment that will be rewarding and satisfying. Once you have completed your degree, speak to your college adviser about employment. Many universities have connections with local businesses and past alumni and will be happy to help you secure a new job.

Enlisting in the military does not prevent you from following your dreams and starting a family. If you are interested in a career in the armed forces, don’t worry; if you are able to find the right balance, you can be successful at both your career and at being a mom.

Tagged as: air force, army, marines, military, navy