Pacific Islander women of the U.S. Armed Forces: a narrative study

Liz Masaniai Lynn

doi:10.17918/etd-7233

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore, through their narratives, the cultural, social, and professional experiences of Pacific Islander women who served in the United States Military (both veterans and Active Duty personnel). The researcher delved into the stories Pacific Islander women veterans and Active Duty members shared about their experiences before, during, and after serving in the military. Prior research suggested that Pacific Islander women may be silent about challenges and struggles due to their cultural upbringing (McLaughlin & Braun, 1998). Fifteen Pacific Islander women were invited to participate in this study. Eleven of the 15 participated: six Active Duty and five veterans. Islands represented were Fiji, Guam, Hawaii, Samoa, and Tonga, and branches of service included U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Marines. Data collected sought to answer three research questions: (a) what stories do Pacific Islander women tell about their cultural and social identity before joining the U.S. Armed Forces? (b) What stories do Pacific Islander women veterans share about being in the U.S. Armed Forces? And (c) What do Pacific Islander women veterans describe about coping with life transitions from military service to civilian education and career opportunities? The findings identified that for Pacific Islander women veterans and Active Duty members, (a) family and church values were integral to their worldviews, (b) encounters led to increasing self-awareness and stronger social identity, (c) building relationships while serving was rewarding, (d) coping with the emotional impacts of deploying, (f) transition from the military difficult, and (g) unprepared for securing civilian professions. More research is needed to bridge the gap in the academic community about Pacific Islander women in the U.S. Armed Forces. Recommendations included to: (a) recruit and retain more Pacific Islander women, both enlisted and officer, into the U.S. Armed Forces; (b) establish a support network for single mothers on Active Duty; (c) provide a sustainable network to assist Pacific Islander women veterans who suffer from PTSD; (d) enhance the Transition Assistance Program-TAP; and (e) focus programs to better support women veterans attending college.

Pacific Islander women of the U.S. Armed Forces: a narrative study

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Pacific Islander women of the U.S. Armed Forces: a narrative study

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