The military has been hailed as a national model for equal opportunity.  No affirmative action has been required for the past fifty years to ensure the rights of employment, training, equal salaries or advancement for anyone; women included! 

Here's a look at the Service as it was in 1948. 

It took Public Law 625, the Women's Armed Service Integration Act, signed by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948, for women to have regular military status, thus opening the doors for "accepted" service to their country.  That led to women having the right to have occupational-fields jobs in medical, nursing, dental and laboratories as technicians. 

Look now at the way it is today in 1998. 

It would take a law signed by President Bill Clinton "to keep women out" of the military.  What's the chance of that happening? None.  Why?   The achievements and accomplishments of women in the military have given them a place equal to that of men.  Boardrooms are being filled with women who have the abilities, respect and confidence of their superiors and peers to get the job done; African-American women included! 

Of special note is an African-American woman such as Brigadier General Mary L. Saunders, U.S. Air Force, who is serving at the Pentagon in a position that provides guidance pertaining to over 32,000 personnel, their training and $3.8 billion of transportation assets. Saunders, the highest ranking African-American woman in the Air Force, has held many leadership positions since she began her career in 1971 and has capitalized on the military's education programs that have enabled her to complete her master of arts degree and recently complete a National Security Leadership Course at Johns Hopkins University.  "Being a professional in all that I do," states Saunders, "is tantamount to succeeding." "I also take great pride in being a mentor and role model for all women in the military. That is why I am a member of the American Association of University Women and the National Association for Female Executives," said Saunders. 
 

Shattering the "military" corporate ceiling along with Saunders are Captain Lillian E. Fishburne, U.S. Navy, and Colonel Gilda A. Jackson, U.S. Marine Corps.  Fishburne has the distinct honor of being recently selected to be promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral, a first.  She will become the highest ranking African-American female in the Navy. Fishburne attributes her success over the past 25 years to being focused in her commitment to doing every job held well and by asking no more from someone else than she has been willing to do herself.  "Every promotion or job assignment I get makes me more confident and draws upon my strengths and wisdom to do it correctly," states Fishburne.  Rear Admiral (Select) Fishburne is a wise woman, demonstrated by her having completed two master's degrees (M.A., Management & M.S., Telecommunications Systems Management) since graduating from Lincoln University in 1971 with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. 
 

Jackson's recent promotion to colonel in the Marine Corps sets another first in the history of that service.  In the Corps' 223 year history, she is the first African-American woman to become a colonel.  She did it so in her own way, by first enlisting right out of high school in 1968, and serving three years before going to college.  Returning to the Marine Corps in 1975 following graduation, she began a steady climb up the ranks.  Leadership positions, being a student at various schools and numerous managerial and commanding officer assignments allowed Jackson to earn her promotions through hard knocks and hard work!  "I've always believed in myself and was never a quitter," states Jackson. 
 

What these three officers have done is become role models for all African-American women serving in the military today and for those who will serve in the coming years. Officers such as Major Janice M. Johnson, U.S. Army, and Captain Patricia Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps. are African-American officers, who are climbing the promotional ladder by advancing their education and by setting the pace and  example for those whom they lead.  Major Janice Johnson, since earning her commission through ROTC at the University of Richmond, has also obtained her law degree and is currently assigned to duty in Washington, D.C.  According to Captain Pat Johnson, "enlisting in the Marine Corps right after high school was a blessing for me.  Following three meritorious promotions and graduating with honors from two military schools, the Marine Corps gave me a full scholarship to Memphis State University," Johnson stated, "and at my graduation, l became a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. My family and I have enjoyed it tremendously ever since," she said.  

"Today's military is filling up with a different generation of African-American women," commented Lieutenant Commander Tina Caston, U. S. Navy, who is assigned to recruiting duty at NTC Great Lakes, Ill.  Actually, these women come from a range of generations such as those who entered the military when there were few women role models and therefore relied on military leaders such as Generals Colin Powell (USA), Daniel Chappie James (USAF), Admiral Samuel Gravely (USN), and Lt. General (ret.) Frank Peterson (USMC) to show them the way.  Then, there are those of us who are now role models and mentors to those currently in the military, and those who are in colleges and high schools across the nation.  Job opportunities have never been better across the board in all military services, from becoming a pilot to a data systems analyst, or from being a court reporter to a counselor.  Whether you have a college degree or a high school diploma, jobs are there.  "Regardless of generation, our inspiration as African-American women officers is fueled by our pride of belonging, and our success is the fruit of our sustained, productive performance," beamed Caston. 

Well said, Commander Caston!