Breaking Barriers: Celebrating the Highest-Ranking Women in the U.S. Military

Hidden within the pages of tales of heroism and valor in a field led predominantly by men lies a cadre of extraordinary women who have risen through the ranks, defying societal norms and challenging the status quo. From commanding major combatant commands to overseeing massive military operations, these women have repeatedly proven that their capabilities know no bounds. They have played crucial roles in the armed forces and paved the way for future generations, inspiring countless individuals with their unwavering dedication, courage, and exceptional leadership.

As gender equality in the US military continues to make significant strides, it becomes increasingly important to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of these trailblazers. They have risen through the ranks, leaving an indelible mark on their respective branches and serving as beacons of inspiration for all who follow in their footsteps.

Today, we spotlight some of the highest-ranking women who have shattered glass ceilings and emerged as trailblazers in their respective branches.

General Jacqueline D. Van Ovost | US Air Force

Van Ovost, a career Air Force officer, currently serves as the 14th US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) commander. She made history in 2021 by becoming the first woman to lead one of the 11 unified Combatant Commands in the Department of Defense (DoD), which oversees the US military’s global transportation infrastructure and logistics support.

Before this, she served as the Air Mobility Command (AMC) commander from August 2020 to October 2021, succeeding another prominent woman general, Maryanne Miller (retired). For some time in early 2021, Van Ovost was the only active-duty female four-star general officer in the DoD—the fifth in Air Force history.

With a career spanning over 32 years, Van Ovost has excelled in various operational and training roles, showcasing her expertise and dedication to the service. Moreover, her extensive flight experience, which includes over 4,200 hours in more than 30 different aircraft, highlighted her versatility as a command pilot. Despite facing barriers and being told “no” to varying points in her career, she has risen to the highest echelons of military leadership, breaking down gender barriers and inspiring others along the way.

Her leadership exemplified the exceptional professionalism and expertise women bring to the highest levels of military command.

General Laura J. Richardson | US Army

Richardson became the first woman to lead the US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), the largest Army command that provides expeditionary, regionally engaged, campaign-capable land forces to combatant commanders, in 2019. As the commanding general, she oversees approximately 800,000 soldiers and is crucial in maintaining the combat readiness of the Army’s conventional forces.

A Colorado native, Richardson entered the Army and trained as an Army Aviator flying the renowned Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. She eventually climbed the ranks, and by October 2018, the four-star general was briefly named acting commander of FORSCOM before assuming the role as the first female commander of the US Army North commander (ARNORTH) in July 2019 and led the US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) in October 2021.

Richardson’s achievements represent the continued progress toward gender equality and inclusivity within the service.

General Lori J. Robinson | US Air Force

Robinson broke new ground in 2016 when she became the first woman to lead a major Unified Combatant Command in the US military. She served as the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) commander for over two years, responsible for North America’s defense and coordinating civil authorities’ defense support. She also assumed the head role in the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) around that same period.

The Texas-born general started her career in 1982 via Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, serving as an Air Battle Manager in various positions. She then moved on to lead an operations group, a training wing, and an air control wing before being deployed as Vice Commander of an expeditionary wing, where she led more than 2,000 Airmen flying the B-1 Lancer, KC-135 Stratotanker and E-3 Sentry aircraft in operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM. Robinson went on to make history when she became the first air battle manager and first woman Air Control Wing commander to be frocked to brigadier general in 2007 and set another milestone in 2014 when she assumed command in the Pacific Air Force based in Hawaii as the first US female four-star commander of combat forces.

Robinson’s illustrious career in the Air Force spanned over three decades, and her trailblazing achievements opened doors for future generations of women in the armed forces.

Admiral Michelle J. Howard | US Navy

Howard had a distinguished career in the US Navy, making history in 2014 when she became the first woman to attain the rank of four-star admiral, serving as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, the second-highest-ranking officer in the Navy. Her groundbreaking achievements extended beyond her status, as she was the first African American woman to command a US Navy ship and the first woman to become a two- and three-star officer in the Navy.

The now-retired admiral seemingly had her military career laid out from when she was born at March Air Force Base, California. Her father was a significant figure in her upbringing, instilling a deep sense of duty and service from an early age. Growing up in this environment, Howard witnessed firsthand the dedication and sacrifice required to serve in the armed forces.

So, as soon as she completed her secondary education, she attended the prestigious US Naval Academy before enrolling in the US Army Command and General Staff College. Equipped with advanced military education, Howard was able to tackle complex challenges as she weaved through her career and rose into the ranks with an unwavering commitment to her country.

General Janet C. Wolfenbarger | US Air Force

Now-retired Wolfenbarger became the first four-star female general in the US Air Force in 2012. She served as the eighth Air Force Materiel Command commander, a central command in the service responsible for the research, development, acquisition, and maintenance of Air Force systems.

She began her 35 years of service in 1980, commissioned as an engineer at Englin AFB in Florida after graduating from the Air Force Academy. Since then, she gradually made her way up the ranks as she took on various duty assignments and furthered her education, which proved to help amplify her credibility in service. Wolfenbarger achieved her first milestone as the US Air Force’s highest-ranking woman in the late 2000s, followed by, in 2012, as the first four-star Air Force general nominated by President Barrack Obama.

Wolfenbarger’s exemplary leadership and technical expertise demonstrated women’s integral role in advancing aerospace technology and military capabilities.

General Ann E. Dunwoody | US Army

Dunwoody etched her name in history as the first woman to achieve the four-star general rank in 2008, not only in the Army but the entire US military. She served in the Army for nearly four decades and held various leadership positions, including commanding the US Army Materiel Command.

Her military career began when she joined the Army in 1974. She was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Women’s Army Corps and served as a supply platoon leader in Fort Still, Oklahoma. Here, Dunwoody demonstrated women’s vital role in efficiency in logistics and supply chain management within the armed forces. She also became the first female to take on the positions of a battalion commander (1992) and a general at Fort Bragg (2000).

To sum it up, these trailblazers have demonstrated the expanding opportunities and increasing recognition of women’s contribution within the armed forces, inspiring future generations to pursue a career in a male-dominated field.

While there is still work to be done to achieve full gender parity, the presence of these highest-ranking women serves as a beacon of hope and progress.

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Check out “A Wasp Among Eagles: A Woman Military Test Pilot in World War II” here!