Selection of Jennie Carignan as Chief of the Defence Staff serves as a reminder that wars are not fought just by men.
Women have always been there, either as camp followers tramping around battlefields behind their spouses and children through to the social revolutions caused by the First and Second World Wars in the 20th century. The Second World War, in particular, saw massive change with the recruitment of separate women’s units for the navy, army and air force. These were women who served in uniform and held actual rank that had to be recognized by their male colleagues.
Women have served in the Canada’s army since the First World War when many held medical roles. Still, it was not until 1989 that they were finally allowed to serve in combat.
Most especially, great strides were made in recent years as women rose into the senior ranks and were finally accepted into combat roles. The war museum exhibit identifies Carignan as the first woman to lead a combat unit in the army, then serving as a lieutenant general.
Carignan, a mother of four, was commanding officer of 5 Combat Engineering Regiment. She has served as a peacekeeper in the Golan Heights, commanded the Task Force Kandahar Engineering Regiment in Afghanistan and served as commandant of Royal Military College Saint-Jean.
Outside the Lines shows women as being continually active with the military in Canada, from the earliest arrivals of Europeans in the New World. Most of that time they were delegated to auxiliary roles. The exhibit shows their greater acceptance in the last century and into our own. It also deals with the frustration and disappointment that progress is so slow.
Artists as usual are often on the forefront of identifying these issues and speaking up for minorities suffering injustice. Action on these demands can only come from commands and commanders who set an example to those who do sign up for service. Carignan’s appointment sends a signal that should be heard.
Tom MacGregor writes about veterans and military heritage. @MacGregorTom.
Correction: The painting references Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan’s time in Iraq. Incorrect information appeared in the original version.