Sunday, October 11^th is International Day of the Girl, recognized by UNICEF as an annual campaign with girls to amplify their voices and stand up for their rights. This year, under the theme, “My voice, our equal future,” it’s time to seize the opportunity to reimagine a better world inspired by adolescent girls – where they are energized and recognized, counted and invested in. This day serves as an opportunity to inspire young girls to reach their goals by showcasing inspiring role models – and there’s no better place to look than the U.S. Army.

 

Women serve in every career field in the Army, integrated into all units and occupations. Today, you can find women in the Army who are doctors, astronauts, helicopter pilots, engineers, experts in intelligence, sharpshooters, Olympic athletes, and beyond. The Army has adopted gender-neutral standards for performing all careers, meaning men and women undergo the same training and must pass the same course requirements to enter their career field.

 

Women have played vital roles in the U.S. Army since the Revolutionary War, and today’s women – enlisted Soldiers and officers of all ranks – are critical members of the Army team.  In fact, the number of women in the military is rapidly increasing. More than 181,000 women currently serve in the Army, representing role models for young girls and exemplifying the Army values.

 

First Lieutenant Amber English, Logistics Officer, member of the Army World Class Athlete Program, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit team member, and 2021 Olympian – skeet shooting joined me to discuss her unique path to success and open young girls’ eyes to the diverse career opportunities available to them in the U.S. Army.