Women in the U.S. Military: Growing Share, Distinctive Profile

declining steadily. In 1973, there were more than 1.9 million enlisted personnel; today, Women in this decade have made up a much greater share of the active-duty military than they have at any time in U.S. history. Among the ranks of the enlisted, 14% are now women (up from 2% in 1973), and among commissioned officers, 16% are now women,