UPDATE: Army veteran Janice Gravely is making headlines as she reflects on her groundbreaking journey that helped pave the way for women to serve in combat roles. Gravely’s experience highlights the ongoing fight for equality within the military, especially after the 2013 lifting of combat restrictions on women.
Gravely’s military career began with a passion for service, stating, “Serving our country has always fascinated me.” However, her path was fraught with obstacles. After completing a basic course on nuclear explosion subversion, she was assigned to Fort Drum in Alaska during a time when women were barred from combat positions. “We have no jobs for female officers in Alaska. It’s a combat area,” she recalled, emphasizing the challenges she faced.
Despite this, Gravely pressed for opportunities and ultimately secured a position as a communications officer, which was a significant achievement in a male-dominated environment. “I’m on the other side and fully locked and loaded, chamber in the round, ready to deal with anything,” she shared, showcasing her readiness in a combat situation.
Gravely served alongside notable figures, including retired four-star General Ann Dunwoody, whom she described as “one of the most impressive women anyone will ever meet.” Although Gravely was never officially classified as a combat officer despite her deployments to Bosnia and Iraq, her contributions were pivotal in altering perceptions and policies regarding women’s roles in the military.
In 2016, after Gravely’s retirement, the military finally opened combat positions to women, a change she views as a victory. “It’s so refreshing now to see our females being able to go to Ranger school and become infantry officers if they want,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of meritocracy in these roles.
However, Gravely recognizes that the journey toward true equality is ongoing. She urges future leaders, regardless of gender, to “know what the rules are, play by the rules,” while also calling on male counterparts to support a fair system. Notably, only 10 women have ever held four-star ranks in the military, and currently, there are none, highlighting the continuing disparity.
Gravely passionately advocates for women in leadership, insisting, “There are women whose records outshine those men 100-fold.” She aspires for a military that fosters leadership development for all, regardless of gender.
As the conversation around women in combat roles continues to evolve, Janice Gravely stands as a testament to the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the armed forces. Her story is not just about her past but also about the future of military equality, making her insights crucial as we move forward. This is a developing story that calls for attention and action from all sectors of society.
