U.S. Military Breaks "Glass Ceiling"

[Sally Brown]

Dunwoody to become first female four-star general
By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military WriterMon Jun 23, 4:18 PM ET


For the first time in American history a woman has been chosen for promotion to four-star general.
The Pentagon announced Monday that President Bush nominated Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody to head the Army Materiel Command, responsible for equipping, outfitting and arming soldiers throughout the Army.
If confirmed by the Senate, she would be the first woman to attain the rank of a full general. By law, the Army is limited to 11 active-duty four-stars, including the Army chief of staff, Gen. George Casey.
Women haven't reached four-star rank because by law they are excluded from serving in combat roles, which historically have been the path to the highest-ranking positions. That exclusion still applies, but with Dunwoody the Army has chosen to cast aside its customary limitations on promotion.
Dunwoody is one of only two female three-stars in the Army; the other is Lt. Gen. Kathleen Gainey, director of logistics on the Joint Staff.
"Her 33 years of service, highlighted by extraordinary leadership and devotion to duty, make her exceptionally qualified for this senior position," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said in a statement.
Dunwoody currently is deputy commander of Army Materiel Command. Among her earlier assignments, she was commander of Army Combined Arms Support Command and the Army deputy chief of staff for logistics.
Dunwoody is a native of New York; she received her Army commission after graduating from the State University of New York in 1975.
"I am very honored but also very humbled today with this announcement," Dunwoody said. "I grew up in a family that didn't know what glass ceilings were. This nomination only reaffirms what I have known to be true about the military throughout my career — that the doors continue to open for men and women in uniform."





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[Woodmonkey]

Congratulations to her. She must be something to be the first.

[Sally Brown]

It's exciting when thinking "outside the box" happens anywhere, any time. It's about time a woman was recognized for 33 years of service, excellent administrative skills, and is made one of an elite group of 11! Every barrier "broken" advances the ability of women in the military to achieve. How many other women of high rank never had the opportunity? Tradition had prevented former appointments from being made but in this case tradition was set aside for actual qualification for the job even though the military experience had been in a different career path scenario than tradition had welcomed. It opens opportunities for deserving men in uniform for that reason as well.

[Woodmonkey]

Originally Posted by Sally Brown

Tradition had prevented former appointments from being made but in this case tradition was set aside for actual qualification for the job even though the military experience had been in a different career path scenario than tradition had welcomed. It opens opportunities for deserving men in uniform for that reason as well.

More than just one person benefits from this appointment. There's a lot weighing on her shoulders, but I think she's up to it.

[las47032]

Congratulations General Dunwoody!

Until 8 November 1967 President Johnson signed signed Public Law 90-130 revoking legal caps on women's promotions preventing them from being promoted to general and ranks. The highest rank military women could achieve was colonel or 06.

Women In Military Service For America Memorial
Women in the military: Information and Much More from Answers.com
"American Women Veterans"


Examples of military women pioneers breaking the glass ceiling.

June 1970 Elizabeth P. Hoisington was promoted through the ranks of the WAC. She was Director of the Women's Army Corps from1966 until 1971. Elizabeth P. Hoisington was the first WAC and second woman promoted to Brigadier General.

Elizabeth P. Hoisington - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"American Women Veterans"
Women Are Generals and Admirals
Women in the U.S. Army



June 1970 Anna Mae Hays, Chief, Army Nurse Corps from 1 September 1967 to 31 August 1971. She was first woman and first nurse in U.S. military history achieve the rank of Brigadier General.

Anna Mae Hays - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"American Women Veterans"
Women Are Generals and Admirals
Women in the U.S. Army



1971 Jeanne M. Holm WAF Director and the first woman in the U.S. Air Force to be promoted to Brigadier General. On 1 June 1973 she was promoted to Major General.

Biographies : MAJOR GENERAL JEANNE M. HOLM
"American Women Veterans"
Women Are Generals and Admirals



1976 Fran McKee was the first woman line or flag officer to achieve the rank of Rear Admiral on 1 June 1976. November 1978 promoted to the next rank. Rear Admiral McKee was one of two women selected to attend the Naval War College. Also, she was the first woman commander Naval Security Group Command.

Fran McKee - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fran McKee, Rear Admiral, United States Navy
Women Are Generals and Admirals



1978 Marines Brigadier General Margaret A. Brewer first woman in the Marines to be promoted to general. Following her promotion, Brigadier General Brewer became the Director of Information on 11 May 1978.

Margaret A. Brewer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
*BRIGADIER GENERAL MARGARET A. BREWER, USMC
Military Women "Firsts" and their History



1979 Hazel W. Johnson, Army Nurse Corps, became the first African American woman brigadier general and first black Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. She was chief of the Army Nurse Corps from 199 until her retirement in 1983.

Throughout her 23 years of active duty, Brigadier General Johnson she was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster.

"American Women Veterans"
DefenseLINK African-American History Month
Hazel W. Johnson - Brigadier General: U.S. Army - (1927 - present) - Culturebus.com.



June 1997 Claudia Kennedy first and only woman to promoted to Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army. After her advancement, she was named Army Deputy Chief of Staff Intelligence.

Women in the U.S. Army
Claudia Kennedy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
WIC Biography - Lieutenant General Claudia J. Kennedy