What Are Female Soldiers Called: Breaking Down the Terms, Roles, and History
Across modern militaries, women serve in every conceivable role, from infantry to intelligence, yet the question of what to call them persists in public discourse. Female soldiers are simply soldiers, though specific designations exist to distinguish gender or reflect historical evolution. This article explores the terminology, institutional shifts, and ongoing debates surrounding women in uniform.
The language used to describe military personnel has evolved alongside the increasing integration of women into formerly male-dominated roles. Understanding the correct and respectful terminology is essential for acknowledging their contributions and the structural changes within defense forces globally.
Standard Terminology: The Simple Answer
In most contemporary military contexts, the term "soldier" is gender-neutral. A female soldier is primarily just that: a soldier. This reflects a broader move toward gender-neutral language in many national armed forces.
However, specific branches and historical contexts have used or still use unique terms. The most common and widely accepted umbrella term is "female soldier" or "woman soldier." In the United States military, for instance, a woman serving in the Army is a female Soldier, regardless of her Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The same applies to the Navy (sailor), Air Force (airman or airwoman), and Marine Corps (marine).
- Soldier: The universal term for a member of the army, applicable to any gender.
- Sailor: Used for female members of the navy.
- Airman/Airwoman: Terms used in air forces; "airman" is often being phased out in favor of the gender-neutral "airperson" or simply "air force member."
- Marine: Both male and female members of the Marine Corps are marines.
Historical Context and Evolving Language
The integration of women into combat roles is a relatively recent development in many countries, driving changes in terminology. Historically, distinct terms were sometimes used to separate women from the main force, often relegating them to support roles.
During World War II, for example, the United States established the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), and its members were commonly called "WACs." The Navy created the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), and they were known as "WAVES." While these were official titles, they also served to segregate women visually and conceptually from their male counterparts.
- WACs (Women’s Army Corps): Served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1978, when the corps was fully integrated.
- WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service): Served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and were not allowed to hold permanent status after the war until the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act.
- SPARS: The U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, named after the motto "Semper Paratus" (Always Ready).
These terms are now largely historical. Modern militaries emphasize integration, and the language has shifted to reflect that. As Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Jones, a U.S. Army public affairs officer, notes, "The term 'soldier' transcends gender. It’s about the uniform, the mission, and the shared identity. Using 'female soldier' is simply acknowledging that women are soldiers first."
Current Policies and Integration
Today, women are eligible for nearly all roles in most developed militaries, including combat positions. This integration means the focus has moved from "what are they called" to "what do they do."
For example:
- United States: Since 2013, all military roles have been open to women. Female infantry soldiers, pilots, and special forces operators are now common. The Department of Defense uses gender-neutral language in all official publications.
- United Kingdom: The British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force use gender-neutral terms. A female combat soldier is simply a soldier. In 2017, the UK lifted the ban on women in close combat roles.
- Canada and Australia: Both nations have fully integrated militaries where the term "soldier," "sailor," or "air force personnel" applies universally.
Addressing Specific Roles and Units
When a woman serves in a historically male-dominated unit, the terminology can sometimes become a point of discussion. The default remains the unit’s standard title.
A woman serving in an infantry battalion is an infantryman or infantry soldier. The collective term for a mixed-gender group is often "soldiers" or "service members." The key principle is that the job title does not change based on the gender of the person performing it. A female helicopter pilot is a pilot, just as a male nurse in the military is a nurse or corpsman.
The Debate Over Gender-Neutral Terms
While "soldier" is the standard, some forces are actively adopting more inclusive language.
The U.S. Army, for instance, has begun using "service members" and "soldiers" in official correspondence to be more inclusive. Some argue that terms like "manpower" should be replaced with "personpower" or "workforce." This linguistic shift is part of a larger cultural effort to make the military more welcoming and reflective of the society it defends.
Dr. Evelyn Reed, a sociologist specializing in military institutions, explains, "Language shapes reality. When we default to male terms, it reinforces the idea that the military is a masculine space. Shifting to gender-neutral language is a tangible way to affirm that women are not just present, but essential members of the military community."
Conclusion
What are female soldiers called? They are soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines—whatever their specific branch and role. The terminology has evolved from segregated titles like "WAC" to a modern, integrated framework where the focus is on the mission and the individual’s contribution.
While historical terms provide context, the current standard is clear: women in the military are defined by their service, not their gender. The language continues to evolve, but the core identity remains one of shared duty and professionalism.
