From the CAF to bookshelves

Four books written by women Veterans.

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The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) was one of the first military forces to allow women to work in all trades. Still, women experience service differently. The following books written by women Veterans show what life is like for some women in the CAF.

Girls Need Not Apply: Field Notes from the Forces

Author: Captain (Retired) Kelly S. Thompson

Raised in a military family, Kelly S. Thompson enlisted in the CAF at the age of 18. Her goal? To become a logistics officer like her father and grandfather. Success did not come easy during her eight years of service. In her poignant memoir she chronicles the triumphs and the trauma she endured as a woman in a male-dominated world.

How I Won the War for the Allies: One Sassy Canadian Soldier’s Story

Author: Doris Gregory

In her memoir, Doris Gregory paints a different picture of the Second World War than we know. She details the complexities of combat from her point of view as a Canadian Women's Army Corp member. Doris also writes about challenging gender norms and her daring adventures, all with a sense of humour, honesty and downright sass.

Out Standing in the Field: A Memoir by Canada's First Infantry Female Officer

Author: Major (Retired) Sandra Perron

Sandra Perron's story as Canada's first woman infantry officer is gripping and unapologetic. In her revealing memoir, she opens up about her battle to be an equal to men on and off the field. “There wasn't enough camouflage in the world to hide me in a battalion full of men," she writes. Sandra also explores the topic of harassment and its long-term implications.

The Stone Frigate: The Royal Military College's First Female Cadet Speaks Out

Author: Captain (Retired) Kate Armstrong

Kate Armstrong's book offers insight into life at the Royal Military College in the 1980s. She shares her conflicting feelings about being the first female cadet and her desire to be "one of the boys." Kate's story is one of navigating identity, power and sexism, to which many servicewomen and Veterans can still relate.

Date published: 2020-02-06

A family’s transition to life after service

Transition is an ongoing process with its own particular challenges. This life change not only affects the person who has served, but also other members of the family. Statistics show that 28 percent of partners and 17 percent of children of Veterans find this period of change to be tough.

Read article: A family’s transition to life after service

They Too Served: Five places overseas where RCMP members deployed

Canadian Armed Forces personnel have taken part in many combat and peacekeeping operations overseas since the end of the Second World War. Most Canadians are aware of this fact. What may be less well known is the role Canadian police officers play in overseas deployments.

Read article: They Too Served: Five places overseas where RCMP members deployed

Women to women: Advice on transition

Transition to life after service can be a complex process. Researchers like Dr. Maya Eichler believe that many Veterans often experience transition as “a culture shock.” Women Veterans encounter a unique set of challenges because they are more likely to medically release. Women also face a steeper income decline after leaving the Forces.

Read article: Women to women: Advice on transition

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Date modified:: 2020-02-13

From the CAF to bookshelves

Further reading

A family’s transition to life after service

They Too Served: Five places overseas where RCMP members deployed

Women to women: Advice on transition