Ep 18. Called to Serve: A history of America's Military Women

Called to Serve: A History of America's Military Women is the 18th episode of Great Americans season 1. This episode takes us through the remarkable journey of women who served in the military to protect their country. It is an inspiring and eye-opening look at the courageous women who have served the United States throughout history.

The episode begins by showcasing the role of women in the Civil War. At the beginning of the war, the military did not accept women into their ranks, but many women were determined to contribute to the war effort, so they disguised themselves as men and joined the army. These women were brave and bold and their sacrifices helped shape America's history.

The episode moves on to highlight the significant contributions that women made during World War I. They were enlisted as nurses, but when the war broke out, the women stepped up and worked on the front lines alongside men. They served as clerks, manufacturers, and telephone operators during the war, and their work was critical to the war effort.

The documentary also covers the changes that led to greater opportunities for women after World War II. Women worked in various roles, including as pilots, during this period. They made great contributions to the Korean and Vietnam wars. In Korea, the number of female volunteers increased and new roles were open for them in the medical sector. It was during the Vietnam War that women served at all levels from combat to medical services. These women worked hard to contribute to many aspects of the war effort.

The documentary also highlights the challenges that military women faced during the era of the 1970s and 1980s. Women started being harassed, discriminated against, and assaulted while serving their country. However, determined women soldiers, including Colonel Rhonda Cornum, fought to change the system through the people who served as advocate for change. As the documentary covers, these changes were generational and limited in many ways to those who had dedicated their entire lives to the military.

Towards the end of the episode, the focus is on modern-day America and the struggles of women in the military, especially in one case a woman who served the US Air Force for two decades while hiding the fact that she was a transgender. The episode shows various voices that highlight that women have a long way to go in terms of equality and recognition in the military. Despite this, there are some inspiring stories, such as that of Linda Bray, the first female officer to lead US troops into combat while serving in Panama in 1989.

Overall, Called to Serve: A History of America's Military Women is a must-watch episode for those interested in the history of America's military and the incredible women who have served their country throughout the years. The documentary shows the challenges and obstacles faced by women who have strived to serve their country in various capacities. These women have broken down barriers, paved the way for future generations of women, and have shown us that true patriotism knows no gender.