The Experience of Female Fighter Pilots in the United States Air Force
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University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 2021 I JUST WANT TO DO MY JOB: THE EXPERIENCE OF FEMALE FIGHTER PILOTS IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE Alissa Christine Engel University of Montana - Missoula Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Engel, Alissa Christine, "I JUST WANT TO DO MY JOB: THE EXPERIENCE OF FEMALE FIGHTER PILOTS IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE" (2021). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 11725. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/11725 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. I JUST WANT TO DO MY JOB: THE EXPERIENCE OF FEMALE FIGHTER PILOTS IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE By ALISSA CHRISTINE ENGEL Master of Arts in Marriage Family Counseling, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 2009 Bachelor of Science in Sociology, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, 2007 Dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate in Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision The University of Montana Missoula, MT May 2021 Approved by: Scott Wittenburg, Dean of The Graduate School Graduate School Kirsten W. Murray, Ph.D., Chair Counselor Education Veronica Johnson, Ed.D. Counselor Education Sara Polanchek, Ed.D. Counselor Education John Sommers-Flanagan, Ph.D. Counselor Education Hillary Wandler, J.D. School of Law EXPERIENCES OF FEMALE FIGHTER PILOTS © COPYRIGHT by Alissa Christine Engel 2021 All Rights Reserved ii EXPERIENCES OF FEMALE FIGHTER PILOTS Engel, Alissa, Ph.D., Spring 2021 Counselor Education and Supervision Abstract Chairperson: Kirsten W. Murray, Ph.D. Little is known about the female fighter pilot experience. As the Department of Defense recognizes the increased warfighting capability of a diverse force, it is important to understand the unique experiences of this rare group. This study uses a qualitative Phenomenology to investigate and describe the experiences of female fighter pilots in the United States Air Force. Several important findings emerged from the study including: the impact of the population’s minority status on their experience; the pervasiveness and impact of systemic sexism, institutional betrayal, sexual assault, ambivalent sexism, and pregnancy discrimination; details of utilized resiliency skills; the prevalence of burnout; descriptions of moral injury; and the impact of family on career progression and decision-making. The current study concluded that the previously mentioned findings were the most challenging aspects of the female fighter pilot experience, and that the easiest aspects of their experience was the safe and effective performance of the mission and their job. Recommendations include the achievement of critical mass through continued diversity efforts; resolution of sexism at the systemic level including altering the engineering standards of future fighter aircraft to accommodate the anthropometric specifications of the general recruitment population instead of the current military pilot population, the engineering and purchase of safe and effective flight and combat gear to fit all members of the recruitment population, and the implementation of policies that limit the inevitable career consequences of pregnancy. iii EXPERIENCES OF FEMALE FIGHTER PILOTS Acknowledgments No journey is traveled alone, and I’d like to thank several impactful people. First, I’d like to acknowledge the support of my Chairperson, Dr. Kirsten Murray, whom I’m convinced is the greatest Chair of all time. I am incredibly thankful for her insight, qualitative research expertise, support, and encouragement. Chairing a dissertation is a considerable time commitment, and it requires selfless dedication to student growth and achievement. The giving of time, knowledge, and self is substantial, and I appreciate every ounce of effort Dr. Murray put into my project. It was a long, winding, bumpy, and rewarding road that I can’t imagine sharing with anyone else. I also thank her family for their willingness to share precious family time as she worked through more than a few nights and weekends. I am grateful for the members of my committee: Dr. Veronica Johnson, whose stellar reputation preceded her hiring at the University of Montana, and she’s fully lived up to it! Your professionalism and diligence are increasingly rare. Dr. Sara Polanchek, who’s hilarious, humble, and authentic words always serve to calm and validate those around her. You paved the road and managed to make it a little less bumpy for those coming after you. Hillary Wandler, who joined from the Law School and the Veteran’s Law Clinic, graciously dedicated her time, and willingly shared her unique expertise. The entire team thoroughly valued your presence and contributions. And Dr. John Sommers-Flanagan who always found the time to show-up despite a multitude of on-going projects. I’d also like to thank my study participants who gave hours of their time in hopes of improving the experiences of future female fighter pilots. After every interview, I sat back in my chair and reflected on the humbling, insightful, and inspiring experiences I’d just heard. The responsibility to accurately describe your historic experiences, give context to your hard-earned iv EXPERIENCES OF FEMALE FIGHTER PILOTS wisdom, and document your noteworthy courage drove me to keep going when I wanted to quit. I am forever changed by your stories and grateful for your contributions. Next, I’d like to acknowledge my husband, Brian, who’s been a steady presence in my life for 22 years. You are always there to support, listen, and provide a comforting silent hug. I’m sure there are times when you think my latest and greatest idea is crazy, but you graciously give me the space to follow my dreams. The support you provided through flight training, my Ph.D., and daily life are incredibly admirable and I am forever in your debt. Thank you for doing every single dish, caring for the fur-children, keeping some semblance of food in the fridge, and generally holding down the fort while I focus on my work. I love you. And to my friends and family: Carrie Lee, thank you for housing me while I commuted back-and-forth from Great Falls to Missoula. Your friendship makes my life better, and I am forever grateful for that long walk to the brewery in 2007. Thank you to my family who supports me despite not always understanding. Mom and dad, you are the hardest working individuals that I know. Thanks for teaching me how to work hard and persevere. Grandma Joanie Bug, thank you for encouraging my passion for education and for being a life-long teacher. To my nieces Kenzie and Myla; you are both such wonderful young ladies, and I am excited to see what your future holds. It meant the world to have you, your parents, Aunt Lynn, Uncle Jay, Uncle Jeff, Deb, and Jim in attendance at my graduation. Our family may be a little nutty, but you are always there, reliable, and trustworthy. Finally, I want to thank the Montana Air National Guard. The Air Force parented me, encouraged me, opened my mind to possibilities, and never failed to provide new challenges. Many of my most inspiring, difficult, frustrating, scary, funny, and rewarding experiences v EXPERIENCES OF FEMALE FIGHTER PILOTS occurred while in military service. My life would not be as rich without the experiences of the last twenty years. There’s been many influential people in my military career, but several stand-out and interestingly, their lessons are applicable to the present study: Command Chief (Ret.) Timothy Huffman, who’s intolerance of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and bias in the workplace was unwavering. His principled leadership created an environment where I could just do my job, and at 18-years-old, my expectations of a professional work environment were formed. I was lucky to join a shop full of Loaders that treated me with respect, fairness, and kindness, and our lifelong friendships are a testament to the power of effective leadership. Lt Col (Ret.) John Jensen, who walked with me through one of my defining life hurdles. I frequently reflect on your selfless leadership style and dedication to doing things the right way regardless of the consequences and potential for ensuing unpopularity. You demonstrated what it looks like to, truly, invest in the well-being of your troops. Chief (Ret.) Robert Dobis, who gave me confidence when I was “the only” and encouraged me to push for more. Chief Dobis and Lt Col Jensen’s wives, Lydia and Mary, who provided female friendship when the loneliness set-in. Chief (Ret.) Ronny Grina, who was the first female in my direct chain-of-command and provided years of mentorship, consultation, and friendship. You are a voice of reason, one of my loudest cheerleaders, and one of the rare leaders who values others’ successes as much as your own. I learned and grew so much under your guidance and will be forever grateful for your continued friendship. Colonel Jason Green, who graciously allowed me the time to finish my research and supported me as I struggled to identify and follow my life purpose. And finally, to all the past and present members of the Montana Air National Guard, my fondest memories will always be of the camaraderie and friendship developed through decades of hard work and hard play. vi EXPERIENCES OF FEMALE FIGHTER PILOTS Dedication I dedicate this study to my Grandfather, Lincoln Thomas Power Engel.