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CommentsModern women warriors
¿Quien es más macho, Latinos or Latinas? According to an article from the Population Reference Bureau, the percentage of Hispanic women in the armed forces is catching up with Hispanic men. Seems the past 20 years have seen dramatic increases in the percentage of Latinos of both genders among active duty enlisted personnel, and among military reserve units.
In fact, the article continues, “Moreover, despite the traditionally masculine culture of the military and of Hispanics, the Hispanic share of military women has been increasing faster than the Hispanic share of military men.” Latino men used to make up a larger percentage of enlisted men than Latinas did of enlisted women. This has changed – Latinas have caught up and even slightly passed Latinos in their gender’s representation in the military.
And since 2001, Latinas have accounted for a greater – and increasing – share of reserve recruits, the report says. There is historical background for Latinas pitching in to defend homeland and families.
The “Adelitas” of the Mexican Revolution supported their men by loading ammunition and in some cases purposely drew enemy fire so their men could win the battle.
Then there’s Cuban-born Loretta Janeta Velasquez, who during the Civil War enlisted and fought in the Confederate Army posing as a man - twice. Brave hearts know no gender.
