Coast Guard Women's Reserve

The Coast Guard Women's Reserve, established in 1942 during World War II, was a unit created to enlist women to support maritime operations. Known as the SPARS (from the initials of the reserve’s name), it allowed women to serve in various roles such as communication, administration, and technical specialties, freeing men for combat. The reserve was part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s efforts to expand its workforce during wartime, emphasizing women’s contributions to national security while providing them with opportunities for service and leadership within a military context.