What are Females in the Navy Called?
The United States Navy is one of the most respected and esteemed military branches in the world, with a rich history and a long tradition of bravery and dedication. When it comes to women serving in the Navy, there is often confusion about what to call them. In this article, we will delve into the history of women in the Navy, their roles, and the different titles and designations they hold.
A Brief History of Women in the Navy
Women have played a significant role in the United States Navy since its inception. The first woman to serve in the Navy was Yeoman Christine "Chris" Turkel, who was appointed as a yeoman in 1908. However, it wasn’t until 1942 that women were officially inducted into the Navy as WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). The WAVES program was created to free up male personnel for combat duties during World War II.
Designations and Titles
Today, women in the Navy hold various designations and titles, including:
• Officer: Women who are commissioned officers in the Navy hold the rank of Ensign (O-1) to Rear Admiral (O-8).
• Warrant Officer: Warrant officers are specialized experts in their field and hold the rank of Warrant Officer 1 (W-1) to Master Chief Warrant Officer (W-5).
• Enlisted: Enlisted women hold the rank of Seaman Recruit (E-1) to Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9).
• Sailor: This is a general term used to refer to any Navy personnel, including women.
Jobs and Roles
Women in the Navy can serve in a variety of roles, including:
• Administrative: Administrative roles include personnel administration, supply chain management, and administrative support.
• Aviation: Women can serve as aviation maintenance technicians, pilots, and flight officers.
• Combat: Women can serve in combat roles, including intelligence, special operations, and surface warfare.
• Healthcare: Women can serve as hospital corpsmen, nurses, and medical officers.
• Logistics: Women can serve in logistics roles, including supply chain management and procurement.
Current Statistics
As of 2022, women make up approximately 19% of the Navy’s active-duty personnel. This is up from 2% in 1978, when women were first integrated into the Navy. Women also hold approximately 10% of the Navy’s officer positions and 5% of the Navy’s enlisted positions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, females in the Navy are referred to as sailors, officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel. They hold a variety of jobs and roles, including administrative, aviation, combat, healthcare, and logistics positions. With a rich history and a growing presence, women play a vital role in the United States Navy.
Table: Navy Ranks
| Rank | Officer (O) | Enlisted (E) |
|---|---|---|
| O-1 | Ensign | Seaman Recruit |
| O-2 | Lieutenant Junior Grade | Petty Officer Third Class |
| O-3 | Lieutenant | Petty Officer Second Class |
| O-4 | Lieutenant Commander | Petty Officer First Class |
| O-5 | Commander | Chief Petty Officer |
| O-6 | Captain | Master Chief Petty Officer |
| O-7 | Rear Admiral (Lower Half) | Senior Enlisted Advisor |
| O-8 | Rear Admiral (Upper Half) | Command Master Chief |
Additional Resources
- Navy Women’s Advocate: www.navy.mil/portal/ussoccer/Navy-Women’s-Advocate.html
- Women in the Navy: www.navy.mil/portal/ussoccer/Women-in-the-Navy.html
Sources
- United States Navy. (2022). Navy Facts. Retrieved from https://www.navy.mil/factsheets/factsheet-navy-factsheet.pdf
- United States Navy. (2022). Women in the Navy. Retrieved from https://www.navy.mil/portal/ussoccer/Women-in-the-Navy.html
- The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. (2022). Navy Organization. Retrieved from https://www.navy.mil/portal/ussoccer/Navy-Organization.html
