WACS (Women’s Air Corps)

Definition

The Women's Army Corps (WAC) was the women's branch of the United States Army. It was created during World War II to fill non-combat roles, freeing up men for combat.

Analogy

Think of WACS as a sports team where all players are women. Just like in a sports team where each player has a specific role to play, in WACS, each woman had a specific non-combat role that contributed to the overall success of the US army during WWII.

Related terms

Selective Service Act: This law passed by Congress in 1940 required all men between ages 21 and 45 to register for the draft, but it did not include women.

Rosie the Riveter: A cultural icon representing American women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies.

GI Bill: A law that provided a range of benefits for returning World War II veterans including opportunities for education and employment.