FORT KNOX, Kentucky – With the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, women gained the right to vote. But it was a selective equality, as most black women remained disenfranchised due to Jim Crow laws until nearly five decades later.

“We must understand the past and know where we stand today to shape our path into the future,” said Major General Hope Rampy, commanding general of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command.

On the occasion of Women’s Equality Day, the HRC also recognizes female soldiers and their immense commitment and contribution to the security and freedom of the nation.

“Celebrating Women’s Equality Day underscores the Army’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Col. Jeanette A. Martin, HRC chief of staff. “It underscores recognition of women’s contributions to the military and society, promotes equality across all branches of the service, and inspires ongoing efforts to remove barriers to women’s advancement in the armed forces.”

Women have been part of the military since the War of Independence, but most of the rights women have gained – even the right to serve – have been hard-fought.

“Although the Army pays equal pay, women were not legally allowed to serve in combat roles until 2013, and that integration did not begin until 2016, even though women were already serving in some of those positions then,” Rampy said.

Seeing women in senior leadership and combat positions sends a strong message that there are no limits to what women in the Army can achieve, said Brigadier General Peggy McManus, HRC deputy commanding general and director of the Reserve Personnel Management Directorate.

“This visibility encourages young women to pursue careers in the military and aspire to leadership positions,” McManus said.

Servant Leader
By the time Rampy took over on July 9, more than a decade had passed since three women had led the HRC. Alongside Rampy, McManus serves in a dual role, and Martin recently became chief of staff.

Rampy joined the Army through the college’s ROTC program with the intention of serving four years. When she saw as a young lieutenant the impact a single action had on a soldier, Rampy knew she was in the right place and decided to stay.

“It really built a good foundation that I’ve used in every job,” she said. “I’ve loved all the positions and challenges the Army has offered me, from battalion to Army and Joint Staff.”

The best thing about serving in the Army is being part of a team that has a national mission and feels like a family, Rampy said.

“Good days and bad, I love this job,” she said.

Selfless service is exemplified by being a servant leader, Rampy said, which means focusing on the mission and others – not on personal gain or recognition.

“It means doing the right thing for the right reason, even when no one is watching,” she said.

When she joined the army, Rampy never imagined that she would one day become a general.

“As a senior captain, I thought it would be cool if I was lucky enough to be promoted to colonel,” she said.

Rampy recommends that female soldiers know their worth and continue to engage with their profession.

“Earn every position,” she said. “It’s OK to be vulnerable and admit mistakes. Understand the power of emotional intelligence. Seek multiple sources of mentoring and coaching to gain perspective.”

Overcoming challenges

As a high school student, under the guidance of her late mother, sports gave McManus a sense of purpose and success.

“She was my first and most influential mentor,” said McManus. “Her wisdom, strength and unwavering belief in me shaped me into the person and leader I am today. She taught me what it means to be a strong, courageous and loving woman. She encouraged me to pursue my dreams and never give up. Although she is no longer physically here, her spirit continues to guide and inspire me every day. Her influence shaped me into a successful adult by giving me the confidence, work ethic and moral compass I needed to succeed in life and in the Army.”

Caring for soldiers drew McManus to the Adjutant General Corps, and the camaraderie inspired her to continue her service. “The honor of being part of a prestigious institution and the personal satisfaction of knowing you are committed to a noble cause are important aspects of military service,” she said.

McManus attributes her success to the soldiers and leaders she met during her time in the Army.

“The people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had have all contributed to me getting to the position I’m in today,” she said. “It’s a testament to how the Army can shape you and make you grow.”

McManus encourages women who aspire to become the Army’s future leaders to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

“Resilience comes from overcoming difficulties and adapting to change,” she said. “Understand that setbacks are part of growth, learn from them and use them to build your character and leadership skills.”

Happy service

Martin chose the Adjutant General Corps because it gave her the opportunity to support Soldiers through human resources management. “This role allows me to make a significant contribution to the Army’s overall mission and ensure Soldiers, their families and veterans receive the human resources services and support they need,” she said.

Although every day of her career has been a “joyful” day, Martin said the most notable moments of her service have been her deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I was fortunate to be able to return home safely with all the soldiers who deployed with me,” she said. “Each of these experiences shaped my development as a leader.”

The camaraderie and sense of belonging are what make serving in the Army so unique, Martin said.

“The relationships with fellow soldiers create a strong support network and there is great pride in serving a greater purpose for the nation,” she said. “There is no other profession that gives back as much as you do.”

Continuing your education as a Soldier is critical to equipping yourself with the latest knowledge, skills and tools you need to adapt to new challenges, Martin said.

“It encourages critical thinking and innovation and fosters a culture of lifelong learning, which is essential for effective leadership in a dynamic environment,” she said.

Voting rights
The suffragists who fought for women’s suffrage contributed to a new way of thinking in the United States.

“This significant change has opened doors and further raised awareness of the inequalities and challenges women can face,” Rampy said.

On the occasion of Women’s Equality Day, it is important for the nation to reflect on one of America’s most important freedoms: the right to vote.

“One reason we are soldiers is to fight and win our country’s wars, but we also deserve our democracy and we defend that right to vote every day,” Rampy said. “So why not vote?”

Elected officials make decisions that have a direct impact on the military, McManus added.

“Through their voices, soldiers can influence who makes these decisions and advocate for policies that serve the well-being of soldiers, veterans and their families,” she said.