Author: Adrienne Evertson

Publisher:

Published: 2004-03-01

Total Pages: 163

ISBN-13: 9781423514831

Multiple Defense organizations have expressed concern about a "glass ceiling" effect in the military. They are concerned about the progression of women officers into senior leadership positions and if they face barriers to their continued success in the military. Women in the military are considered a minority population. Recent numbers reflect a 16% representation by women in the total Armed Forces population, with the Air Force displaying the largest proportion (17%), while the Marine Corps has the smallest proportion (6%). This thesis explores the "glass ceiling" effect and the officer career path experienced by women officers progressing through the ranks, primarily during the mid-level grades of Captain (0-3) through Lt Colonel (0-5). It specifically examines women in the United States Marine Corps and Air Force because these two branches of service currently maintain the smallest and largest proportion of women, respectively. The researchers examined the demographic composition of the individual service communities and conducted personal interviews with mid-level (0-3 to 0-5) and senior (0-6 and above) officers to investigate any commonalities paralleling the military to the civilian sector. Specifically, this inquiry looks at any strong similarities or differences that may exist in the "glass ceiling" effect between the Marine Corps and the Air Force. Resulting information is expected to reveal a better understanding of military women's career progression and factors that may exist in today's Armed Services, which influence their decision to continue or separate from the military.