This is the second volume published by the U.S. Army Center of Military History on the history of the Women’s Army Corps from its beginning in World War II until it was discontinued by Congress thirty-six years later. The first volume, by Mattie E. T read well, dealt with the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and its successor, the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), throughout World War II. This volume covers the thirty-three years of Corps history between V-J Day and the decision by Congress in 1978 to end the WACs’ separate status and assimilate them into the other branches of the Army (except the combat arms). The current volume tells how the directors of the Women’s Army Corps struggled to achieve the goals that we take for granted today. It tells of the years they spent pushing and prodding the Army. the Department of Defense, and Congress to achieve Regular Army and Reserve status, military cred it for their WAAC service. and promotion above the grade of lieutenant colonel. While early WAC directors had the task of fighting for progress and equity, their successors fought a losing battle to keep entry standards high and 10 retain their separate corps status. The author of this volume served as a WAC throughout the existence of the Corps. She provides readers with a comprehensive picture of WAC growth and development and the transformation in the status of Army women brought by the advent of the all-volunteer Army and the women’s rights movement of the seventies. The book makes a significant contribution to women’s history and the history of the Army.
564 pages
