Can you relate - Survey: Women struggle to be seen as 'real' veterans

There are cultural norms at play here. Although we have served with some amazing women, the general public is not accustomed to recognizing women in the service - so female veterans fight that stereotype. They have to fight the social programming of Hollywood since there is no female equivalent of "Rambo," although Laura Croft comes close. This is not just a perception and society problem; it is a very personal one - one of identity. Being a Soldier is an identity and part of being a veteran. When a women is called, "not a real veteran," they are being denied part of their identity. They have bled, died, suffered, and sacrificed with the rest of us in combat zones, but are looked at as second-class service members. It's not right and it needs to change.

This may sound a bit awkward and I apologize up front, because this is observation, strictly MHO and not intended to be judgmental.

Look at the female SMs we're putting in the ads and drawing attention to and how they are portrayed. Now look at the average female population of a unit and the work they do. Do you see a difference? Women in society are still deemed the "fairer sex". Nothing wrong with that at all but in portraying vets, maybe it needs to change.

I think if we continue to "glamorize" woman in the military and draw attention to topics like "maintaining femininity" in uniform then this adds to the issue of how and why woman veterans are portrayed the way they are.

The stereotypical male vet image - older, less about looks, more about pride and vet apparel, scared/concentrated look, not so much smiling as lost in thought. I don't think we are painting that image to the American public when it comes to female vets.

When I participate in ceremonies at the America Legion Post I see female vets from earlier eras and they have that more typical look you would expect to see in a male vet of the same era They share that same pride of a job well done and pride in their branch and service.

As a man I cannot relate directly, but I see this frequently, especially in veteran clubs like the VFW and American Legion. I am not going to lie though, a female veteran's face is priceless when a new bar tender or someone else asks them if they are an auxiliary member.

Even going to the VA or just in public in general I see many females driving vehicles with veteran plates. It is all to common to hear people say it must be her boyfriend or husbands truck. I think it is wrong and feel for them on this matter. A veteran is a veteran.