New study sheds light on WID membership.

• Author: Menker, Janice M.
• Position: Women in defense: a national security organization

The membership of Women In Defense represents both government and industry. A recent study provides some details about that membership. A total of 92 percent is concentrated in the following nine states and jurisdictions: Virginia, 28%; Maryland, 18%; New Jersey, 14%; Alabama, 11%; Illinois, 9%; District of Columbia 4%; Iowa, 4%; California, 2%; Florida, 2%.

The average length of membership is 1.7 years. Between June 1, 2002 and May 31, 2003, 363 new members joined, effectively doubling the size of the membership. Since May 2003, membership has climbed to 739 members.

The number of members employed in the defense industry (32 percent) is roughly equal to the combined number either serving in the military or working as a government civilian (29 percent). Defense Industry, 32%; Government Civilian, 16%; Military, 13%; Other, 39%.

Eight percent of the membership has a title of president, chief executive officer or a similar term. Five percent are program or project managers. Job specialties listed include: Engineering, 5%; Contracts, 4%; Administrative Assistant, 3%; Business Development, 3%; Finance, 2%; Environmental, 2%.

WID provides opportunities for its members to engage in educational forums, networking events, industry-government exchanges, outreach events and other activities.

For example, WID'S Tennessee Valley Chapter has formed a charity committee and, on Feb. 29, will support the American Heart Walk.

WID's Chesapeake Bay Chapter entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Defense Acquisition University to support the DAU classes. Jane Walter, WID national vice president; Cindy Broyles, former chapter president, and Frank Swofford, industry liaison, worked with Barbara Smith, dean of DAU Pax River to form this relationship. Under the MOU, WID members will participate in DAU classes, presenting the industry perspective in the defense acquisition process.

Chapter members leaned about the work of Dress for Success from WID member Theresa Fisher, of Booz Allen Hamilton. Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organization that helps low-income women dress better while looking for jobs. Chapter leaders have initiated a drive for donations of suits.

In Washington, D.C., WID is a sponsor of the 2004 exhibition, "Winning the War--Women In World War II," presented by the National Women's History Museum. The exhibition will be held in connection with the dedication of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall on May 29. The...