UPDATE: Army veteran Janice Gravely is making headlines as she reflects on her pivotal role in paving the way for women to serve in combat positions in the U.S. Army. With the military lifting combat restrictions on women in 2013, Gravely’s experiences highlight the challenges and triumphs women have faced in the armed forces.
In a powerful statement, Gravely shared, “Serving our country, it’s just always been something that’s fascinated me.” Her military journey began with a basic course on nuclear explosion subversion, leading her to Alaska, where she encountered significant barriers due to her gender. “I went to talk to the division chemical officer. He’s like, ‘why did they send you here, lieutenant?’ We have no jobs for female officers in Alaska. It’s a combat area,” she recalled.
Despite these setbacks, Gravely fought for her place, eventually becoming a communications officer—a role that blurred the lines between combat and support. “We have a driver, and I’m on the other side and fully locked and loaded, chamber in the round, ready to deal with anything that comes our way,” she stated, emphasizing her readiness to face the challenges head-on.
Serving with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, Gravely was contemporaneous with Ann Dunwoody, the first woman to achieve a four-star general rank in the U.S. military. Gravely described Dunwoody as “one of the most impressive women anyone will ever meet.” Although she was not officially classified as a combat officer, Gravely deployed to Bosnia and Iraq, contributing to the changing landscape of military roles for women.
In 2016, after Gravely’s retirement, the military officially allowed women to serve in combat roles. “It’s so refreshing now to see our females being able to go to Ranger school and become infantry officers if they want,” she said, celebrating the progress made since her own service.
However, Gravely acknowledges that the journey toward true equality in the military is far from over. With only 10 women ever reaching the rank of four-star general, and currently none serving in that capacity, she stresses the need for systemic change. “If you want it, go for it. Know what the rules are, play by the rules, and then the men need to let the system work right,” she advised, calling for equal opportunities in combat and leadership.
Gravely’s story resonates with many as she continues to advocate for women in the military. “There are women that if you look at their record, they outshine those men 100-fold over,” she asserted, emphasizing the importance of developing leaders in the U.S. Army.
As the military evolves, the impact of veterans like Janice Gravely will continue to inspire future generations of servicewomen to break barriers and achieve their dreams. The conversation around women’s roles in combat is more relevant than ever, and Gravely’s experiences serve as a beacon of hope for those striving for equality in all facets of military life.
This is an urgent call to recognize the contributions of women in the armed forces and to support ongoing efforts for equality and leadership opportunities. Stay tuned for more developments on this critical issue.
