From integrating Marine Corps boot camp to fighting in Afghanistan from the cockpit of a helicopter, these books run the gamut of chronicling what life is like for many women in the military. If you haven't already, add them to your reading list.
"A Higher Standard: Leadership Strategies from America's First Female Four-Star General," by Ann Dunwoody, U.S. Army, retired
The first woman to reach the rank of four-star general offers tactics and wisdom from what she learned from her first command to her last assignment.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"Love my rifle more than you," by Kayla Williams
Through this memoir, Williams gives an inside look at the experiences of many female soldiers who've deployed, particularly to the Middle East. It's both gritty and unapologetic. She's now a senior fellow and director of the military, veterans, and society program at the Center for a New American Security.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"They Fought for Each Other: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Hardest Hit Unit in Iraq, by Kelly Kennedy
While writing for the Army Times, Kelly Kennedy, also an Army veteran, chronicles her experiences of being embedded with a company during their patrols in Iraq in 2007. The men of that same company would later receive at least 95 combat awards.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"Shoot Like a Girl: One Woman's Dramatic Fight in Afghanistan and on the Home Front," by MJ Hegar
In 2009, Major Mary Jennings' helicopter was shot down while on a MEDEVAC mission in Afghanistan. She continued the mission, saving the lives of many of her crew in the process. Jennings was also instrumental in removing the Ground Combat Exclusion Policy, which prevented female service members from serving in combat roles.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"Good Night Captain Mama: Buenas Noches Captain Mama," by Graciela Tiscareno-Sato
Former Air Force captain offers a diverse perspective in this children's book about a military pilot who is also a mother. Through her dialogue, she works through some of the challenges military children face when their parent deploys.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"Iraq and Back: Inside the War to Win the Peace," by Kimberly Olson
Through Kim Olson's eyes, readers get a glimpse of what it was like to try and rebuild Iraq after then-President George Bush had declared Operation Iraqi Freedom a success. A pilot, wife, mother, and military officer, Olson offers introspective insight into the decisions military leadership make.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"Danger Close: My Epic journey as a combat helicopter Pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan," by Amber Smith
As a female Kiowa pilot, Smith was a novelty. But as you'll see in her memoir, being one of the few women didn't derail her from flying combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"Unbecoming," by Anuradha Bhagwati
From an immigrant daughter to Marine Officer, readers get a glimpse of the challenges many LGBTQ and minority service members in and out of the uniform face.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"Fight Like a Girl," by Kate Germano
In 2019, the Marine Corps had male and female recruits train alongside each other for the first time, something this retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel had been fighting for. Through her research and first-hand experience training recruits at Parris Island, you find out just how far she was willing to go to change the system.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"War Flower: My Life After Iraq," by Brooke King
As a wheeled-vehicle mechanic, then 19-year-old PFC King often recovered vehicles who had been hit by explosives as well as the lifeless bodies that married with them. In this nonfiction piece, she reflects on how an abusive marriage and an overseas relationship that resulted in a twin pregnancy, affected her life coming home.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"Beyond the Call," by Eileen Rivers
Women have been serving in combat for ages and that is reflected in this account of three women who served in Female Engagement Teams (FET) in Afghanistan. Charged with communicating with Afghan women and children and also upholding their military training, their stories offer insight into what it means to be "on the front lines."
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"The Warrior Code," by Tee Marie Hanible with Denene Millner
As one of the first women authorized to take the Marine combat-training course, Hanible was no stranger to obstacles in the USMC. Through her eyes, readers will gain a whole new definition of the term, "grit."
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"Formation," by Ryan Leigh Dostie
Ryan Leigh Dostie wanted to be an author from a very young age — but she never thought her first book would be a memoir about her time in the military.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
"Navigate the Climb," by Maria Britt
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Maria Britt has walked the walk and talked the talk when it comes to leadership. Now, she's using her life story to help others, particularly women, become more effective leaders.
Click here, to purchase the book on Amazon.
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