PC(USA) - Office of Women's Advocacy: Women and Military Service Resource


	Women and Military Service

	U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Juliana Skelton is a supply clerk assigned to Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific. Department of Defense photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy.		Recently a public debate has been recharged regarding service of women in military combat roles. The Office of Women's Advocacy seeks to protect the rights and advancement of women currently serving in the military, as well as educate the public about ongoing sexual assault against female soldiers. As the war in Iraq continues, military recruiters have begun to target young women of color. We must raise the alarm as hierarchies of gender, class and race continue to affect the most susceptible in our society while protecting the privileged. Simultaneously, a number of women's organizations continue to work toward demilitarization and nonviolence. We support their work to establish a peaceful world, free of violence perpetrated between persons or nations.

	The Office of Women's Advocacy is not responsible for Web content beyond the Web site of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Recent news: Role of Women in US Military Gets Renewed Debate By Al Pessin, Voice of America, May 31, 2005. The types of jobs women in the U.S. military are allowed to do, especially in combat zones has recently come under fire. The New G.I. Janes: Damsel to Dominatrix By Amy DePAul, Alternet, May 20, 2005. A former Naval Academy instructor talks about the little-known experiences of female soldiers in Iraq and the U.S. military, from serving in combat to interrogating captives. Sister, Uncle Sam Wants You Too By Vanessa Huang, Alternet, May 2, 2005. As military recruiters step up their efforts to make up for slipping numbers, young women of color are high on their list. Meanwhile, counter-recruitment activists are speaking out. State of the Union: Women in Combat By Robert Hodierne, BBC News, September 6, 2004. Robert Hodierne, who edits publications about and for the U.S. military, considers the changing role played by women in the armed forces.


	Resources for women currently serving: Pastoral Care for Those Serving in the Military and Their Families The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program offers this resource to help congregations in providing care to those serving in the military and their families. Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel (PCCMP) Their mission is to provide military personnel with a visible reminder of the holy in the midst of combat and chaos. The GI Rights Hotline (800) FYI-95GI or (800) 394-9544. A network of nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations who provide information to service members about military discharges, grievance and complaint procedures and other civil rights.


	Resources for service and recruitment: Presbyterians and Military Service The Peacemaking Program, in cooperation with the Office of the General Assembly have created a number of flyers that may help people understand PC(USA) policy and explore the various options related to the military. WAND: Women's Action for New Directions "Leave My Child Alone!" campaign seeks to protect high school students from unwanted military recruiting.


	Resources for sexual assault and domestic violence in the military: Report on the Military and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Women Advocacy Committee for Women's Concerns (ACWC) Explores issues of rape in war, prostitution and sexual harassment in the military, and the church's role in addressing the needs of women as related to these issues. The report includes ACWC's recommendations adopted by the 210th General Assembly (1998) concerning this issue. Item 7271098007 Free Amnesty International: Violence Against Women in the U.S. Military Amnesty International is concerned about of sexual assault and domestic violence in the US military and the inconsistent responses to such abuse. Lack of adequate victim services and failure to prosecute perpetrators has created a crisis situation that requires reforms. Miles Foundation The Miles Foundation is a private, non-profit organization providing comprehensive services to victims of violence associated with the military. Domestic Violence Report: Domestic Violence and the Military This article outlines the ways in which advocates can assist victims of domestic violence in the military community with safety, protection, rights, restitution, transition and accountability. FaithTrust Institute (Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence) The institute offers a wide range of services and resources to provide communities and advocates with the tools and knowledge they need to address the religious and cultural issues related to abuse.


	Peace organizations: Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) WILPF works to create an environment of political, economic, social and psychological freedom for all members of the human community, so that true peace can be enjoyed by all. UNIFEM: Women, War, Peace UNIFEM, the women's fund at the United Nations, provides financial and technical assistance to innovative programs and strategies that promote women's human rights, political participation and economic security. Women for Women International Founded to help women overcome the horrors of war and civil strife in ways that can help them rebuild their lives, families and communities.


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