Women have a larger presence in America’s military today than ever before, accounting for some 15 percent of all enlisted personnel. In 2016, they were cleared for every combat role from regular infantry to the Navy Seals and Army Delta units.

Janet Valentine, an assistant professor of military history at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, discusses that increased prominence–owed in no small part to the congresswomen and women’s auxiliary corps leaders who championed inclusion during World War II.

She examines the historical context of women engaged in war, assessing the challenges and benefits of their integration and how it has influenced developments in military affairs.