Date

4-2021

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Jackie Craft

Keywords

Command Sergeant Major, Sergeant Major, Army, Military Mothers, Male Dominant, Military Women, Mothers, Senior Leadership, Psychological Well-being, Resilience, United States Army Sergeants Major, United States Army Command Sergeants Major, Success, Women in Leadership

Disciplines

Counseling | Counselor Education | Education

Abstract

There are significant changes to women's rights to employment that create opportunities to earn higher leadership positions. The number of women entering the military in low to mid-level rank has increased over the last few years. However, the proportion of women reaching senior leadership position all the way through to the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant Major remain comparatively small. This qualitative study examines the experiences of military mothers who are Sergeants Major in the Army and the personal attributes, factors of resilience, and strategies that promote well-being—by highlighting the key factors reported that were crucial to their success supporting the advancement of women in this male-dominated institution. This study will look at 10 military mothers that have attained the top enlisted rank of Sergeant Major to investigate the culture and social context in which these women serve that supported and challenged their advancement. The heuristic phenomenological qualitative method will be used to conduct this study. Through demographic data collection, in-depth interviews, and narrative writing, the essence of meaning they make of their experiences will be explored.

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