Women have been serving in the military in one form or another for more than 200 years (USO). According to the 2020 Report of the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (PDF | 6 MB), approximately two million women veterans have served in the Armed Forces. This number will continue to grow due to the increased presence of women in the active duty and reserve components. More than 300,000 women have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11 and more than 9,000 have earned Combat Action Badges. Over the past 7 years, over 100 women have graduated from Army Ranger School and others have completed Navy Seal Officer’s selection and assessment. According to VA’s 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (PDF | 2 MB), the increase in veteran suicides seen in 2021, compared to 2020, was particularly seen in women veterans, for whom there was a 24.1% increase in the age-adjusted suicide rate, compared to an increase of 6.3% among male veterans. Today, women make up 16 percent of our nation’s Armed Forces, serving in every branch of the U.S. military (USO). As this population grows and continues to serve in critical roles, it is important that we ensure we are inclusive of women veterans.Warrior tradition in Indian Country has contributed to the high rate of Native American enlistment and service in the military for over 200 years. AIAN people currently account for 1.7 percent of total troops, both enlisted and officer, though AIAN people account for just 1.4 percent of the United States population. Service and commitment continue beyond the military, as many tribal leaders and service providers are veterans. This large group of past and current service members continues to give to their communities and their country, even when they and their families are in need of service and/or support. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) “2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (PDF | 2 MB),” in 2021, the highest suicide rate was among AIAN veterans at 46.3 suicides per 100,000 AIAN veterans.
Each year the Department of Veterans Affairs publishes an annual report (The Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Women Veterans 2022 (PDF | 2.7 MB)) to help policymakers better support women veterans. The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), also produces the Annual Warrior Survey. The data contained within the survey allows WWP to track and treat warriors’ most pressing needs. They share this data to inform the efforts of those who share and support their mission and to urge those with the power to make a difference. The VAs annual report and WWPs annual survey paint a comprehensive picture of the current environment that women must navigate when they leave military service, including the continued disparities between men and women veterans. WWP focused on five key areas of focus for women veterans that was outlined in the September 2023 press release, “New Report Highlights Unique Challenges Female Veterans Face After Service:”
Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services
The Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services is one of the oldest federal advisory committees within the U.S. Department of Defense. The Committee is composed of civilian women and men appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment, retention, employment, integration, well-being, and treatment of service women in the Armed Forces.
Women Veterans Network
The Women Veterans Network mission is to provide a unique social network of women veterans to foster connections and build relationships in local communities and across the nation.
WomenVetsUSA
WomenVetsUSA provides a wealth of services and connections to resources for women veterans, such as education, employment, finances, healthcare, legal, and other resources.