The United States Armed Forces did not require a physical examination prior to enlistment until the Spanish-American War. As a result, women were able to disguise themselves and serve in combat during the American Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and in the campaigns at the western frontier. Despite this long history, women were not permitted to officially serve in combat positions until 2013. At the same time, despite male nurses being common in civilian life, men were not permitted to serve in the military as nurses or gain rank in this position until the Vietnam War. Dr. Anna M. Duch will discuss all this and examine the modern debates around gender and military service.
Link: https://columbiastate.zoom.us/j/7712228331