Perceptions of women in the military

[dynu07]

Hi everyone,

I am a college senior - planning on enlisting in the AirForce after graduation. Currently I'm taking a women's studies class and decided to do my project on the perceptions of women in the military. I have 4 main questions aimed at those who have served, are serving and are planning to serve in any branch of military:

1. When you first considered joining the military - how did other people (friends, family, co-workers etc.) react when you told them?

2. What were/are your own personal reasons for choosing the military?

3. How do you think other people perceive you as a military woman?

4. What are your general thoughts about the current situation of women in the military?

Please send responses to debrayung@gmail.com by 11/24/06 and feel free to include other pertinent information (rank, branch of service, years served etc.).

Thanks in advance!

[dynu07]

I haven't gotten any responses so I thought I would offer more info.

My paper is supposed to be 5-7pgs long. Nothing too serious and honestly, most of it will include a history of women in the military for which I've found tons of sources.

However, I wanted to include some personal accounts of what it is to be a military woman to make the paper more personal and less of a strict history.

I find that when I tell people I'm going to enlist - the first things they say to me are "Are you sure?" and "Why?" - I feel like because I am female, I am doubted from the start and when I talk to people about it, I constantly have to prove that I am set in my intentions and that I've done enough research to decide that I can do it.

I just want to know if anyone else has had similar or different experiences.

It would be completely confidential and I could even send you a copy of my final paper if you want. I have to present my work next Tuesday 11/28.(INTU103 - Women's Studies Prof. Crehan-Legare - Northeastern University, Boston)

Please send responses to debrayung@gmail.com

Thanks.

-Debra Yung