Stories from women in army service

In recent years, the Ugandan government has made efforts to boost the number of women in the army with incentives like gender-sensitive training, a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, establishing a gender desk for gender-related issues, and promoting them to positions of leadership.

This month, as we celebrate women, we recognise the contribution of female military soldiers and staff in protecting the country and promoting gender equality and women empowerment.

This editor couldn't get in touch with the UPDF or UPDF female soldiers to get their stories. However, the New York Times Magazine shared 40 stories of women in the military, and we highlighted some of them for this article.

The stories are from female soldiers in the United States of America military service. Their stories are in no way connected to the experience of female soldiers in Uganda. Some of them served a long time ago while others are still in service.

Misunderstood

Although women are recognised today in the army, there are still reservations about them. Many of them deal with a lack of acceptance and community even among fellow soldiers. However, she has not let this stop her from using the opportunity at hand.

"Not many women or men will ever get the opportunity to do what I do. It’s been tough at times throughout my career to have men tell me they will not work for me because I’m a woman. I say to them: “That’s O.K. You don’t have to follow me, but I will bring you along.” she wrote.

Advocates for inclusion

Melissa R. Grayce served in the Air Force from 1988 to 1998. During her service, she was stationed in Germany where she advocated for the rights of Wiccans to hold their meetings. Wiccans belong to the pagan or neo-pagan religion and identify as witches. She was accepted and recognised as a Wiccan in the army.

"My letter to the editor, printed in Stars and Stripes, began a journey in which I became a representative for witches’ rights in the military. I still have my dog tags, which indicate my religion as Wiccan," Grayce said.

Making difficult choices

Unlike men in most cases, women enlisting in service can stir fear and protectiveness from family members and friends. So when Staff Sgt. Ruth Navarro, Army, 2006-to date, wanted to join, but she didn't tell her family.

"I come from a Hispanic family and am the only woman in my family to have joined the Army. I didn’t tell them I was enlisting until the day I left. I was very young and was afraid they would try to talk me out of enlisting. I know I deeply hurt them, but thankfully, they’ve since come to support my decision," she said.

Breaking barriers

In 2015, Lesley-Anne Crumpton, Army, 2010-18, ushered in a new era of women's service in the army. For the first time in history, women were integrated into Ranger School, and she helped remove the ban on women from direct ground combat. From that point onwards, women were free to enter any position in the army.

"My job was very controversial. I was part of a group of servicewomen attached to the three phases of Ranger School and walked the lanes with the Ranger students. Three women completed the course, and I personally got to watch one of them ace her leadership patrol and lead the pack like it was second nature," she said.

Paving way for future generations

Julie Ballard Squires, Navy, 1982-94, re-enlisted with her daughter after her divorce. Her daughter was only two years and happy to tag along.

"My commanding officer told me to bring her up, so I did. We re-enlisted together, which was wholly fitting because I had recently gotten divorced, and Jessica was the reason I chose to stay on active duty," she said.