Fit to fight: Analyzing women's roles in the US military 

Friday, January 31, 2025, 10:00 – 11:15 a.m. EST 
Online: https://www.brookings.edu/events/fit-to-fight-analyzing-womens-roles-in-the-us-military/ 

Women have served in the U.S. military in various capacities for more than two centuries, overcoming barriers to take on greater roles in leadership, combat, and beyond. While they have officially held combat roles since the 1990s, it was not until 2015 that all combat positions were opened to them, marking a significant breakthrough in their full integration into the armed forces. Today, they make up nearly 18% of the total force, serving in every branch and achieving milestones once thought unattainable. 

Yet, as women’s roles evolve, so do important considerations and questions: How does the history of women’s integration into the military help inform today’s debates over women’s role in combat? Do current military fitness standards reflect operational reality? What effect will policy decisions have on the ability of the U.S. armed forces to meet recruitment goals that are critical to the security of our nation? And what are the broader implications for U.S. military readiness, effectiveness, and dominance on the battlefield today and into the future? 

 On January 31, join the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology at Brookings for an analytical discussion about how women’s roles align with military standards and national security needs. The discussion will include retired Lieutenant Colonel Amy McGrath, the first woman in the Marine Corps to fly a combat mission in an F/A-18; retired Lieutenant General Lori Reynolds, the first woman in the Marine Corps to serve as a battalion commander in combat; retired General Lori Robinson, the first woman in U.S. history to lead a combatant command; and retired Lieutenant Colonel Jason Gallardo, one of the first battalion commanders to have female infantry officers in his formation. 

Viewers can submit questions for speakers via email to events@brookings.edu or on X/Twitter @BrookingsFP using #WomenInTheMilitary.