The First Female with Four Shining Stars

Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody is the first woman in U.S. history to be nominated as a 4 star general. A graduate of the State University in New York Cortland who possesses graduate degrees in national resource strategy and logistics management, Dunwoody was also the first woman to recieve a third star. The number of 4 star generals that can be nominated is very limited, and generals serve limited terms. There are currently 12 four-star Army generals, 11 four-star Air Force generals and 3 four-star Marine generals. Most frequently, active-duty personel rise in rank by distinguishing themselves with leadership in combat situations. Since women are excluded from combat duty under Department of Defense regulations, for Dunwoody to rise so far so rank required extrordinary demonstration of her leadership skills over the 33 years she has been serving.

If the U.S. Senate confirms her appointment, which they are expected to do, Lt. Gen. Dunwoody will serve as head of the Army's supply arm.

Upon news of her nomination, she reported feeling extremely honored and explained "I grew up in a family that didn't know what glass ceilings were."

Whether she knew what they were or not, with woman like Dunwoody, limits for women will continue to come tumbling down-oh.

More information on other extraordinary female leaders in the military: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/23/woman.general/index.html

For an explanation of military rankings:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_(United_States)

Tolerance Spreads to British Army

Great Britain

Following in the footsteps of the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force have officially condoned the wearing of uniforms at this year's gay pride parade in London.

While homosexual men and women have been permitted to serve openly in the British military since 2000, in recent years not all branches have been allowed to demonstrate their military affiliation at gay pride events.

The gay community responded positively to the reversal of this policy.

To learn more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2008-06-14-british-parade_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip