The book "Women in the Military" is a collection of essays by various scholars that offers a range of perspectives on the role, status, and treatment of women in the armed services. The book includes historical and theoretical perspectives on the issue, as well as critical views and national surveys comparing male and female responses to questions about military service.

Lorry M. Fenner argues for broader inclusion of women and other groups that have previously been restricted from full participation in the military, while Jean Bethke Elshtain analyzes how war establishes a sense of identity for both men and women. Other scholars offer critical views on issues such as the feminist movement's insistence on full participation in combat units and the impact of mixed-gender units on military readiness and unit cohesion.

The book also explores differences in perception between men and women and between different racial and ethnic groups, with particular attention paid to African American women in the Navy. Finally, the book considers the future of women in the military and whether the downsized post-Cold War military will find women soldiers more or less important.

Overall, the book provides a comprehensive assessment of a major gender issue in the United States and will be valuable to researchers in women's studies, sociology, history, and military studies.

English