U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve - SPARS Creation (1942)

In this week in military history, we look back to 1942 when the United States Coast Guard authorized the Women's Reserve, known as the SPARs.
While the Coast Guard had accomplished a great deal since 1790 without taking women into its enlisted or officer ranks, World War II changed the course of history for women in all the armed services.
As WWII approached, the Coast Guard and the other branches found themselves in greater need of more personnel at sea and troops on foreign soil.
The military acknowledged the benefit in filling U.S. shore jobs with women, resulting in President Franklin D. Roosevelt signing and approving legislation that created another branch of the U.S. Coast Guard - one that would pave the way for all military women of today - The U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve.
The USCG initially thought they would need 8,000 enlisted and 400 officers, however, over the course of World War II between 10 and 11,000 young women volunteered.
After a month of training, most SPARs were assigned duties that were clerical in nature, although by the end of the war the SPARS held 43 ratings from boatswain’s mate to yeoman.
Despite the growth and accomplishments of the women who served, the Women’s Reserve was not established as a permanent branch. In August of 1945, following VJ Day and ultimately the end of WWII, demobilization efforts began, and SPARs were gradually discharged.
On June 30th, 1946, SPAR demobilization efforts were completed and the 10,000+ members of the Coast Guard Women's Reserve departed service with patriotism, faithfulness and pride knowing they had inspired and paved the way for future generations of women to serve.
Join us next time for another segment of This Week in Military History with the Pritzker Military Museum & Library!