Women and Military Service
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Juliana Skelton is a supply clerk assigned to Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific. Department of Defense photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy.
Recently a public debate has been recharged regarding service of women in military combat roles. Our office seeks to protect the rights and advancement of women currently serving in the military as well as to educate the public about ongoing sexual assault against female soldiers. As the war in Iraq continues, military recruiters have begun to target young women of color. We must raise the alarm as hierarchies of gender, class and race continue to affect the most susceptible in our society while protecting the privileged.
Simultaneously, a number of women’s organizations continue to work toward demilitarization and nonviolence. We support their work to establish a peaceful world, free of violence perpetrated between persons or nations.
Resources for women currently serving and for service and recruitment
- Ministering to Families Affected by Military Deployment
U.S. Army Chaplains - The Human Effects of War
A Reflection by the Rev. Ken Moe, Grand Canyon Presbytery - How to Help the Family of a Deployed Soldier
- Presbyterians and Military Service This series of downloadable fliers explores options related to military service ranging from enlisting to registering for the draft to conscientious objector status.
- GI Rights Hotline: (877) 447-4487 (877-GI RGHTS)
- WAND: Women’s Action for New Directions
Resources for sexual assault and domestic violence in the military:
Report on the Military and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Women Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns (ACWC)
Explores issues of rape in war, prostitution and sexual harassment in the military, and the church’s role in addressing the needs of women as related to these issues. The report includes ACWC’s recommendations adopted by the 210th General Assembly (1998) concerning this issue.
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Domestic Violence Report: Domestic Violence and the Military
This article outlines the ways in which advocates can assist victims of domestic violence in the military community with safety, protection, rights, restitution, transition and accountability.
FaithTrust Institute (Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence)
The institute offers a wide range of services and resources to provide communities and advocates with the tools and knowledge they need to address the religious and cultural issues related to abuse.
Peace organizations:
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
WILPF works to create an environment of political, economic, social and psychological freedom for all members of the human community, so that true peace can be enjoyed by all.
Women for Women International
Founded to help women overcome the horrors of war and civil strife in ways that can help them rebuild their lives, families and communities.
