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Members of the U.S. Army’s inaugural Women’s Initiatives Team have been selected, which is composed of representatives from across the Army who will advocate for Army policy, programs and resource changes to set conditions for success in women’s recruitment, retention, readiness, health, well-being, empowerment and advancement across the total Army.
“The Army Women's Initiatives Team formalizes and sustains the momentum of enabling women soldiers and civilians to contribute to the Army’s mission,” said Yvette Bourcicot, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
The application pool for the inaugural year was incredibly strong, a testament to the talent within the total Army. During the call for membership, which closed on 31 January 2023, 834 applications were received (44% active-duty, 7% Army National Guard, 12% Army Reserve and 37% civilian). The selection of 30 general body members was very competitive, with a selection rate of 3.5% amongst applicants.
“The overwhelming number of applications shows the tremendous support that Army leaders, soldiers and civilians have for advancing the mission of the Women’s Initiatives Team,” said Dr. Agnes Schaefer, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
The Women’s Initiatives Team reports to and receives direction from the Assistant Secretary of the Army (ASA) for Manpower & Reserve Affairs (M&RA), who provides overarching governance, support and assistance in meeting the team’s goals and objectives.
The general body is led by tri-chairs – one member of the Senior Executive Service, one general officer and one nominative sergeant major – who approve the Women’s Initiatives Team recommendations for consideration by the ASA for M&RA. The chairs serve for two years, but their terms can be extended.
The application window for the Amy Women’s Initiatives Team will reopen in the summer of 2024 to fill any vacant positions. The goal is to hold the first general body meeting in August 2023 to develop the inaugural agenda.
