The Untold Story of the First Women to Integrate U. S. Military Combat Units
Though women have fought and died in every U.S. conflict since the American Revolution, they were never officially allowed to fight.
THE FIGHT TO FIGHT is a documentary feature film that tells the story of the pioneers who battled to integrate women into combat units.
It is the untold story of a courageous band of young women who were ready, willing and able to serve in those units. And it tells the larger story of an institution reluctant to change.
These narratives mirror the battle for gender equality throughout our society and culture.
The Story Begins in 2012
The film is framed by Ellen Haring and Kris Fuhr, veterans who fought their own gender battles integrating West Point. In 2012, Ellen Haring was instrumental in helping repeal the policy that excluded women from ground combat. Kris Fuhr was a mentor to soldiers attending the Army's Ranger School and was instrumental in exposing bias against women by some instructors.
Their efforts enabled the first generation of American women to enter ground combat units in 2016. Two of these women, Dallas Hopkins and Charley Falletta, are among the first to ever lead ground combat units. Their stories will inspire a new generation of young women to continue the push for greater equality.
Candid Video Diaries
The heart of the film is seen in candid video diaries of Dallas and Charley, recorded during the first five years of their historic service. Despite initial failure in the Army’s elite Ranger School, they eventually prove they have what it takes and earn their Ranger tabs, deploy to war zones, and lead combat units.
The raw, intimate diaries are one-of-a-kind historical records that reveal the emotional tolls and triumphs the women experience as they overcome challenges imposed by an unwelcoming institution.
THE FIGHT TO FIGHT has a human focus and is neither pro- nor anti-war. By honoring these pioneers, it reframes the story of women and work in America.
Accompanying the film will be a robust website with materials that will provide inspiration to women and vital historical information to historians.
An Act of Service by Women Who Served
My deep connection to the film, as its Producer/Director, comes from serving as a Naval Aviator during the 1980s and 1990s. During my years of service I deployed as the only woman serving in an aircraft carrier battle group of 7,500 men. Although I could play a supporting role, I was barred from combat aircraft and combat ships, based not on merit or skill, but on gender alone.
Playing key roles and providing major inspiration to the film are Ellen Haring and Kris Fuhr, who serve as co-producers. Since joining the first wave of women to integrate West Point, they remain key participants in the battle for gender equality.
I have closely followed the fight for the removal of combat exclusion rules and consider it vitally important. I have made it my mission to tell the untold story about the lengthy battle for gender equality in the military and, by extension, in society.
Joy Bronson served as a Naval Aviator from 1986 to 1993 and is the Director/Producer of THE FIGHT TO FIGHT documentary feature film.
The Fight to Fight documentary feature film is at a pivotal stage in and needs your support to reach completion. Donations are critical and greatly appreciated, however it is also helpful to sign up to receive our blog and pass on our website link to friends, family and colleagues who are veterans or who care about equality for women. Click here to donate and here to sign up for our blog.
Executing a Platoon Attack Exercise
U.S. Army Captain Charlotte “Charley” Falletta, commander of Anvil Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade conducts radio checks while executing a platoon attack exercise near Camp Beverlo, Belgium on April 13, 2023. Faletta’s journey as one of the first to integrate combat units is featured in THE FIGHT TO FIGHT documentary feature film.
(U.S. Army photograph by Maj. Rob Haake. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.)