New Urgency as Policy Makers Weigh Future of Women in Combat
A primary goal of THE FIGHT TO FIGHT documentary film is to contribute to the national dialogue about the role of women in the military and, by extension, in broader society. This is a highly relevant issue as the new Presidential administration moves forward with an agenda that promises to remove support for gender equality and marginalized groups.
The stakes in the film have gained urgency as the future of women in the U.S. military appear to be headed for new restrictions. Pete Hegseth, the nominee for the post of Secretary of Defense, has publicly declared that “we should not have women in combat roles.”
It is irrelevant whether Hegseth survives the nomination process or even modifies his stance about women, as has been recently reported. The point is that he has expressed a commonly held attitude that threatens the hard-fought gains women have made since 2016. A reversal of current policy will negatively affect women who have been serving in combat arms for almost a decade.
When women’s opportunities are rolled back, they are denied earning their stripes in combat positions, which is the traditional pathway taken by 80% of senior leaders in the military.
I believe it is more important than ever for the film to tell the story of courageous women in combat arms before their opportunities are restricted, their status undermined or, as happened in the past, their achievements erased from history.
Who Cares about Fair Treatment?
I believe that when completed, THE FIGHT TO FIGHT will express a powerful message about a woman’s right to fair treatment in the military and beyond. It will especially resonate with the more than three million women who have served in the US military as well as the 230,000 women currently in uniform.
Its message will appeal to women who are currently in male dominated workplaces, those who have personally broken their own barriers, and girls and women who are looking for heroic role models to inspire them.
I believe the film will also resonate with anyone who has felt impacted by, or is concerned with, the persistence of bias in American life, especially in the workplace and in large institutions. All people and groups who fight for fair and equal treatment will recognize this story as a lens through which to view their own struggles.
The film will also be of particular interest to men and women who want to learn the truth behind commonly held gender myths and archetypes. For example, popular movies, documentaries and media coverage continue to focus on men in combat because women were excluded until 2016.
The Future of Women in the Military
THE FIGHT TO FIGHT documentary film is the untold story of the first women to integrate the U.S. Army’s all-male infantry and armor ground combat units. Facing increasing challenges that threaten their careers and dreams, it reveals the women's struggles, triumphs and resilience as they prove they have what it takes to serve on the frontlines.
Exploring gender bias is a major motivating force behind the creation of the film. By focusing on the male-dominated culture in U.S. Army combat units, the film shows how gender bias is expressed by individuals at a personal level and in the governance of large institutions.
Despite the obstacles, the film clearly shows that not only do women want to serve in combat roles but they are fully capable of performing them to the highest standards, the exact same standards that must be met by men.
In many ways, the film’s storyline is a hero’s journey – it celebrates courageous women currently serving and succeeding in ground combat units. As the national debate about the future of women in the military unfolds this is an important story to add to the dialog.
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.
Pete Hegseth States Hardline Opposition to Qualified Women Serving in Combat Units
On November 7, 2024, Pete Hegseth, the current nominee for the position of Secretary of Defense (SECDEF), appeared on the Shawn Ryan Show, which is widely distributed on YouTube and expressed clear opposition to women serving in combat units. If confirmed as SECDEF, Hegseth has the authority to erase hard-fought gains made by women in the military with a stroke of a pen.
(Photo credit Shawn Ryan Show.)