Military women's research

Until 1994, there was a paucity of research aimed at the female soldier. With the dramatic increase in the numbers of military women and their subsequent assumption of expanded roles, it is vital that increased research emphasis be exerted toward this group. A 1994 Congressional directive mandated that women be included in all Department of Defense-sponsored research. This led to the establishment of the Defense Women's Health Research Center for "multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research" on military women's health issues. This article presents demographic data of military women along with descriptions of current research endeavors and issues in need of continued and future research.