How Gender Shapes Security

This book is an analysis of the relationship between gender and security through the perspective of the U.S. military, its integration of women over time, and its consideration of gender perspectives in conflict. Through a gendered lens, we examine how the U.S. military’s culture and its historical employment of women shaped the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, drawing lessons from this examination about how gender shapes security, the wars we see, and the wars we fight. Throughout this volume, we synthesize academic research with personal narratives as Marine Corps combat veterans, identifying the importance of critical thought and visionary leaders at every level. We challenge the existing employment of women and men, and the consideration and application of femininities and masculinities, in the U.S. military; we also challenge the military's management of conflict at every stage.