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Who are the most accomplished women in the military right now and how do I get ahold of them?
Hello! Thanks for your question about women influencing the military. The short version is that I provide pinhead photos, descriptive "badass" superlatives, and current activities for 13 of the most accomplished. I was able to find contact information for most of the women, including Amy McGrath and the West Point valedictorian, Dr. (Marier) McGuigan. Below you will find a deep dive of my findings.
METHODOLOGY
I began by finding the most recent contributions women made on each branch of military history. Government databases verified the reliability of the information. I then cross-checked and looked for additional leads from reviews by trusted media sites. Contact information is provided, but limited due to the sensitive and classified nature of some operations.
The top women were chosen based on their "first" achievements, overall command, overall influence on the modern day, and future impact. I do not believe there is a relevant hierarchy ranking for these women's accomplishments. Reasons include the size of the United States military, its influence over the world, and dynamic operations. Instead, classifications are based on combat and administrative influence. I make special note of direct combat and explain highly skilled, uncommon operations.
INTRODUCTION
Several women continue to shape the future of the military. Impacts can be administrative and combative. Three categories that help in understanding their impacts are Administrative and Non-Direct Combat, Direct Combat, and Skilled Combat operations. Amy McGrath is listed last at #13 and Dr. Rebecca (Marier) McGuigan who graduated first at West Point is listed at #3.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND NON-DIRECT COMBAT
Two women serving in high-level administrative positions are Admiral Michelle Howard and Vice Admiral Sandra L. Stosz. Several others challenge perceptions by becoming the first women to fill a service role or achievement.
#1 (ADMIRAL) MICHELLE HOWARD
In 2014, Michelle Howard became a four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy. She is the first woman to achieve this rank. Her first major achievement occurred in 1999 when she commanded a U.S. Navy ship to record this as the first African-American woman. Since 2004, she has commanded several squadrons, strike groups, and fleet operations. The latest achievement is holding the second highest rank in the U.S. Navy as the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
#2 (VICE ADMIRAL) SANDRA L. STOSZ
Sandra Stosz is Deputy Commandant for Mission Support at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. She leads 17,000 people responsible for all facets of Coast Guard operations.
#3 (DR.) REBECCA (MARIER) MCGUIGAN
Dr. Rebecca (Marier) McGuigan shattered the concept of women's capabilities in the military. In 1995 she graduated as the first woman to reach the top of her class at the United States Military Academy at West Point. She bridges the civilian and military communities. Her practices in family medicine are also affiliated with Martin Army Community Hospital.
#4 (MARINE OFFICER) MARIAH KLENKE
The Marines announce Mariah Klenke as the first female graduate of the United States Marines Assault Amphibian Officer Course in October 2017. Her achievement shows that women can master mental and physical combat at the highest level.
#5 and #6 (ARMY INFANTRY) TAMMY BARNETT AND LOREN ROSS
Tammy Barnett and Loren Ross are the first female infantry recruits of the United States Army. The Army does not want a lone female in a class of 40. Ms. Barnett and Ms. Ross fulfill the long-awaited change of an equal opportunity military.
Images and contact information of these young women are not available due to the sensitive nature of their operation.
DIRECT COMBAT
One of the most profound stigmas associated with women are not only perceived physical inequalities, but also reaction during combat. Several women demonstrate the actions needed in times of war. Lesser-known combat stigmas, such as, mental "coolness" needed by a fighter pilot determine life and death. Direct combat acts by women like Lauren Edwards and uncommon skilled combat (i.e. Jeannie Leavitt) prove their capabilities in modern warfare.
#7 (MAJOR) LAUREN EDWARDS
Lauren Edwards perfected the physical fitness test. Certain aspects of the test rank extremely challenging for even the most fit regardless of gender. She is also a respected and accomplished leader, having led over 150 Marines during operations in Iraq.
#8 (SERGEANT) LEIGH ANN HESTER
When Leigh Ann Hester earned the Silver Star Medal, she became the first woman to achieve the honor since World War II. Her heroism in close range combat is undeniable proof of her capabilities in times of war.
#9 (SERGEANT) SHERRI GALLAGHER
Marksmanship is a specialized skill that few, regardless of gender, acheive. Sherry Gallagher is one of the top snipers in the United States Army. This achievement, while not mainstream, is a highly regarded profession by soldiers operating in these environments.
HIGHLY SKILLED COMBAT
Similar to marksmanship, air combat, is a specialized and uncommon area of service. Four women gained acceptance by showing proficiency in the necessary skills.
#10 (BRIGADIER GENERAL) JEANNIE LEAVITT
Jeannie Leavitt is the first woman fighter pilot. The mental "coolness" that is necessary for a fighter pilot is an ultimate life-and-death challenge that these pilots must regularly contend. Brigadier General Leavitt excelled to pursue an extraordinary career in the military. She is currently commander of the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base. Her administrative contributions and action roles reach the highest levels of achievement.
#11 (CAPTAIN) Katie Higgins
The United States has two unmatched air show teams that fly two very different aircraft and perform uniquely specialized skills. Katie Higgins made history with the Blue Angels by piloting Fat Albert.
#12 (COLONEL) NICOLE “FIFI” MALACHOWSKI
Air demonstration pilot Nicole Malachowski began her contributions to the United States Air Force Air Demonstration in 2006. The Thunderbirds perform what many consider the most complex, dangerous, and mystifying aerial combats flights that push air warfare beyond modern day limits. Her role as a pioneering spirit continues today, most recently at the White House as leader of the Joining Forces initiative.
#13 (CONGRESS WOMAN ELECT) AMY MCRATH
Amy McGrath is a fighter at heart. It is no surprise that she chose the earth rumbling F/A-18 (probably the most power aircraft ever built) to fly into combat. Her fighting spirit erupted upon finding the legal state of woman in combat roles. Now her fight continues in a run for congress.
CONCLUSION
To wrap it up, I found 13 of the most influential women currently serving in the military. Images, past influences, and current activities are provided for each. Explanations of the administrative and combat roles illustrate their significance and lasting impact.
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