In 1975, Congress passed legislation which mandated that the United States military academies begin to admit women by the year 1976. This included West Point, The Air Force Academy, and Annapolis.
This was influenced largely by the women's movement in the 1960s and 70s. The Women's Movement pressed the issue of educational equality, and fought for the cessation of sexual stereotypes restricting girls and women to specific limited roles. In high school these stereotypes meant that girls took Home Economics and boys too Shop, but in higher education, it often meant that women weren't even admitted to certain colleges or certain programs within colleges.
Students and graduates of these military academies fought bitterly against the admission of women. Long standing practices and prejudices came head to head against the vocal new brand of feminists. When Congress made its decision, the academies had no choice but to comply, but they did so grudgingly.
The Air Force Academy presented the newly admitted women as the best of the best, just as it presented its men. West Point made no such efforts and made it clear that it would be business as usual. Women cadets were on their own, and the men made sure they knew it. Annapolis Naval Academy expected women to blend in and become invisible if possible. Needless to say, the Air Force Academy's plan worked best, with its intentional plan for a smooth transition.
In all of the schools, however, early classes of women were treated harshly. Male cadets made it a contest to see who could be the first to make a woman cry, and the woman who did cry was considered by other cadets to be further unsuited for the academy. Sexist remarks and condemnations were routine for the female cadets. Service academies are tough at best, with rigorous athletic, military and academic requirements. With their added difficulties, it is impressive that there were women who did manage to graduate from the first classes at each of the three academies.
Women who graduate from the academies have always been remarkable scholars and soldiers. In the first years following their admission to the academies women were not allowed to pursue career paths that involved combat, but that restriction has since been lifted.
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