Impacts

Four members of the United States Women's Airforce Service Pilots receive final instructions. |Womens Museum of Fort Lee, Virgina|

The WASPs changed America socially and militarily. Although the WASP program was only active for two years, its impacts were huge, lasted a lifetime, and permanently changed the path for women.

"If ever there were a doubt in anyone’s mind that women can become skillful pilots, the WASPs have dispelled that doubt.”

-General Hap. Arnold

Short-Term Effects

Immediate changes after the WASP program was disbanded:

Women found more respect, proving that they were more than just a pretty face, while performing the same tasks as men.
The expanded role of women in helping America win WWII, as they freed more combat pilots for active duty.

Women Airforce Service Pilots standing behind President Barack Obama as he signs a bill awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal

|Pete Souza—Official White House Photo|

Long-Term Effects

The Air Force Academy opened up to women to be trained military pilots who could fly combat missions.
In later generations, women had access to greater opportunities, including flying combat missions, in all U.S. military branches.

"If the nation ever again needs them, American women will respond. Never again will they have to prove they can do any flying job the military has. Not as an experiment. Not to fill in for men. They will fly as commissioned officers in the future Air Force of the United States with equal pay - hospitalization - insurance - veterans' benefits. The WASPs have earned it for these women of the future."
-Byrd Howell Granger

This video explores the W.A.S.P. program’s impacts today, and discusses the 2009 congressional medal.

|Airforce TV|