In Her Boots
The development of critical life skills are invaluable to her growth and progression while on active duty and prepare her for the day when she no longer serves. TF SASA taps into the expertise of female senior military leaders, who have developed and implemented strategies that allowed her to successfully navigate through the ranks and balance the role of woman, wife, mother and Soldier. Gaining wisdom by learning “how” women have done it before decreases the learning curve, provides hope, and improves confidence for any female service member regardless of rank. TF SASA takes on a holistic approach that targets the personal and professional growth and well-being of a woman wearing the uniform. Another unique aspect TF SASA brings is the male’s point of view on certain issues provided by male senior leaders. This program is absent of blame or humiliation and focuses on positive reinforcements for success. It not only stresses Dignity and Respect for everyone, but also for themselves.
The issues that challenges military success is not from a service member executing battle drills to accomplish a mission, but from the behaviors and decision making process of the woman or man wearing the uniform. The military does and excellent job on training an individual to be a service member, but does not address the development of the "woman in uniform". The argument could be made that the military doesn't address the development of the "man in uniform:. The reality is our armed forces are male dominated the masculinity messaging is naturally communicated throughout the day to day operations. The gender role messaging does not starting the military, it begins at birth and reinforced throughout childhood. Female receive and internalize societal cues about what defines appropriate behavior which includes silencing themselves. Multiple studies have been conducted over a 40 year period that showed that from an early age, teachers interact more and encourage boys to take charge, offer their opinions and allowing them to blurt out answers. But when the girls execute the same behaviors, teachers criticize them for "breaking the rules:" and remind them to raise their hands if they want to speak. This message is further developed through basic training and AIT, when one is under the complete control of the Drill Sergeants, which this necessity is for the Good Order and Discipline of our military, however reaffirms the timid approach in speaking up and Finding her Voice. The "In Her Boots" program differentiates between the appropriate settings and develops the 'how to' find and use her voice.
The issues that challenges military success is not from a service member executing battle drills to accomplish a mission, but from the behaviors and decision making process of the woman or man wearing the uniform. The military does and excellent job on training an individual to be a service member, but does not address the development of the "woman in uniform". The argument could be made that the military doesn't address the development of the "man in uniform:. The reality is our armed forces are male dominated the masculinity messaging is naturally communicated throughout the day to day operations. The gender role messaging does not starting the military, it begins at birth and reinforced throughout childhood. Female receive and internalize societal cues about what defines appropriate behavior which includes silencing themselves. Multiple studies have been conducted over a 40 year period that showed that from an early age, teachers interact more and encourage boys to take charge, offer their opinions and allowing them to blurt out answers. But when the girls execute the same behaviors, teachers criticize them for "breaking the rules:" and remind them to raise their hands if they want to speak. This message is further developed through basic training and AIT, when one is under the complete control of the Drill Sergeants, which this necessity is for the Good Order and Discipline of our military, however reaffirms the timid approach in speaking up and Finding her Voice. The "In Her Boots" program differentiates between the appropriate settings and develops the 'how to' find and use her voice.