Cynthia Enloe is famous for arguing that war is premised on the protection of “womenandchildren.” In other words, our men must fight their men so as to protect our women (and sometimes, their women, too). The protection of women (and their children) is a justification for war. (Even reference to the “home front” domesticates what is being protected.) War is gendered.
In light of this, it’s interesting to peruse this set of posters and covers for vintage science fiction comics, books, and films (’50s to ’80s). The poster reveal the same theme except, in this case, women must be protected from aliens, monsters, and robots.
Another example of women as justification or inspiration for war here.
Examples of women as a drag on the war effort (as vectors of sexually transmitted infections) here and here.
Some examples of women’s duty to bear soldiers and families’ duty to support soldiers at war here, here, and here.
Posts on women’s role behind the scenes here and here.
On women in the military, see here.
More associations of masculinity and military service here, here, here, here, and here.
See also this post conflating sexual and military conquest.
