The period of the “Be All You Can Be” Army—the 1980s and 1990s—was one of rapid change and transition for those in uniform. This gallery documents the end of the Cold War as well as the conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, the Balkans, and the Caribbean that resulted in U.S. military intervention. Visitors encounter artifacts from women who served around the world in multiple and varying types of operations as new career opportunities continually opened. While restrictions on women’s service remained, changing policies on the utilization of women in combat operations illustrated the Army’s effort to tackle never-before-faced challenges. Visitors encounter an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter which portrays the Army’s successful integration of women in combat aviation.

Grenada Beret

Specialist Marian Anderson, whose maroon beret is shown here, was one of four women who participated in the invasion of Grenada with the 82d Airborne Division.

West Point Uniform

This U.S. Military Academy woman’s cadet coat, without tails, was worn by Cadet Ann S. Ashworth (Richardson) while in the first class of female cadets at West Point from 1976-1980.

Helicopter

A female combat aviator conducts pre-flight checks on an OH-58 helicopter.

Be All You Can Be Gallery

A Soldier navigates a log obstacle designed to build confidence during basic training. After the disestablishment of the Women’s Army Corps, the basic training program of instruction became the same for both sexes.