A Conversation With Kate Germano: Gender Disparities in the Military and the Impact on Veterans’ Health

Women are the fastest growing demographic within the veteran community. They can officially serve in combat roles, are enlisting in record numbers, and continue to play a crucial role in the defense of our country. Despite this, they still face numerous challenges during their time in service, which directly impacts the success of their transition out of the service.

On August 28, 2018, NYHealth hosted a conversation with Kate Germano, author of Fight Like A Girl: The Truth About How Female Marines Are Trained, for a candid discussion about gender, moral injury, and the training of female Marines and its impact on their health. After being relieved from command of the only all-female unit in the entire Department of Defense, Kate gained notoriety for taking a stand against the Marine Corps for gender bias by increasing standards and expectations for female recruits and Marines.

Kate discussed how the hyper-masculine culture of the Marines negatively impacts the physical and mental health of both men and women, leaving lasting consequences as they transition out of the military and back into civilian life. She also shared her own challenges from this process and discussed why teaching servicemembers and veterans about self-care is critical to equipping them to succeed in their personal and professional lives.