Women in the Army National Guard have always had a path characterized by determination, flexibility, and perseverance. There has been progress over time, yet one problem has persisted: finding a balance between constructing a rewarding family life and having an arduous military career. Thankfully, newer innovations and policy revisions are alleviating that pressure, providing increased opportunity for women to serve without needing to sacrifice either their personal or professional aspirations.
For years, countless female soldiers were caught in a dilemma between two roads—start a family or continue to advance in the military. Pregnancy and family planning policies were dispersed in various documents, and it was unclear what was permitted, what was available, and what assistance existed. With few clear directions, many women felt alone, uncertain of what they could do, and compelled to make tough decisions.
That call for transformation did not go unnoticed. Lieutenant Colonel Teresa Wenner, Sergeant Sharon Gold, and Sergeant First Class Angela Shepard of the Washington Army National Guard teamed up with a student team at the University of Virginia through the Hacking for Defense (H4D) program. H4D is an innovative program that pairs students and defense experts to address real-world national security problems. Here, their aim was well-defined: make military service more accessible and supportive for women juggling motherhood and obligation.
The student team tackled the issue from two primary perspectives. First, they devised a centralized, well-organized resource that compiles all the information troops require regarding pregnancy and family planning policy. Rather than having to sift through thick regulations, troops—both male and female—can now access the answers they require in one location. It’s a small thing, but a doozy for those making plans for their futures.
Second, they came up with recommendations to enable pregnant soldiers to continue their Professional Military Education (PME). PME plays an important role in career progression, but pregnancy-related physical limitations tend to make women pause professional development. In recommending careful accommodations that balance safety with progress, the team spurred a more fluid, inclusive approach.
The Army countered with a significant policy shift: pregnant and postpartum troops can now be temporarily promoted for a year or more, even before they finish PME. This change allows women the space to heal and catch up professionally, without feeling as though they’re falling behind for having children.
These are not just minor repairs; they are a more fundamental shift in how the military values its personnel. As Major General Paul Rogers of the Michigan National Guard recently explained, high-tech innovation is key to national security—so, too, is the ability to retain top-notch individuals under the uniform. By making it more possible for women to stay and succeed in their military careers, the Army National Guard is strengthening not only individual soldiers but the force overall.
Military innovation doesn’t always involve new gear or sophisticated systems. It’s sometimes doing things differently to support the folks who serve. The famous motto “Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.” captures a mindset that exists long after the battlefield—it exists in the soldiers’ everyday lives and their families’ lives as well.
The success generated by way of the Army National Guard and the H4D program is a shining testimony to what can be achieved when we address issues with empathy, imagination, and collaboration. For women in uniform, the future is brighter. And for the military as a whole, it’s a good reminder that supporting family life is just as essential to mission success as any piece of hardware or plan.