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Nov

18

First female four-star general, General Ann Dunwoody, promoted last Friday


From the White House Project:

We join the nation in congratulating General Ann Dunwoody, who became the first female four-star general this past Friday.

According to McClatchy, “Dunwoody’s standing-room-only ceremony in the Pentagon auditorium drew the military’s highest ranked officers. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the Army chief of staff, presided, and three-star generals had to stand in the back because all the seats were taken.”

During the ceremony, Gen. Casey acknowledged that the naming of the military’s first female four-star general took “probably longer than it should have,” but he called Friday’s promotion something the “entire Army can celebrate and take pride in.”

There are currently 21 female general officers in the Army and just under 60 throughout the military. Gen. Dunwoody said that while she was the first, she will not be the last female four-star general. “The bench is deep.”

For more on General Dunwoody, read Campbell Brown’s column or the Army’s military news article from the original announcement last spring, and the announcement last week. From last spring’s announcement:

About 5 percent of general officers in the U.S. Army are women, officials said, adding that this includes mobilized Army Reserve and Army National Guard general officers.

“I have never considered myself anything but a Soldier,” Dunwoody said. “I recognize that with this selection, some will view me as a trailblazer, but it’s important that we remember the generations of women, whose dedication, commitment and quality of service helped open the doors of opportunity for us today. There are so many talented women in our Army today … you would be impressed. So what’s even more exciting for me is knowing that while I may be the first, I know I won’t be the last. I’m thrilled with this selection and proud to continue to serve!”

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 7:29 pm November 18th, 2008 in Announcements, Gender, Military, Women 

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