Navy

The Americans, a new FX Network spy show developed by ex-CIA agent Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields, illustrates the unique physical and psychological dangers that threaten women in espionage, the military, and law enforcement. In addition to the expected danger incurred in shoot-outs and international arms deals, the show's lead female character deals with the very real threat of rape.

On the show, as in real life, institutional sexism allows sexual assaults to persist the military. The Americans shows that unfortunately, for women, being in sexually hostile situations has for too long been a part of the job.

Although the Pentagon will soon ease restrictions on women in combat, a ban continues on women in infantry, keeping 200,000+ enlisted women out of promotions and leadership roles. So for all the ladies in the service: The Caine Mutiny, Herman Wouk’s bitter caricature of male authority, plus a heavy dose of comedy.

In the wake of this week's news events, Spike TV has announced that it's launching a reality TV show following the U.S. Navy's anti-piracy forces near the Horn of Africa, tentatively called Pirate Hunters: USN.

Well, I hope Pirate Hunters USN will note that the current head of the U.S. Navy's anti-piracy task force is Rear Admiral Michelle Howard (pictured at right), who in 1999 became the first African-American woman to command a US Navy ship, and in 2006, became the first woman second African-American woman and first female Naval Academy graduate to achieve the ranking of Admiral.

It looks like Spike TV will have cameras on the USS Boxer, where Rear Adm. Howard is currently stationed, so I'm hoping to learn more about her if the show ever hits the air!