servicewoman
A woman who serves in her country’s military forces.
A servicewoman is a woman serving in the armed forces of her country. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. When a woman enlists or becomes an officer in the military, she becomes a servicewoman, taking on the same duties, training, and responsibilities as any other soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine.
Servicewomen have served in various roles throughout history, though their opportunities have expanded dramatically over time. Today, servicewomen work as pilots, engineers, doctors, intelligence analysts, infantry soldiers, submarine commanders, and in virtually every other military occupation. They deploy overseas, train new recruits, maintain equipment, and defend their nation just like their male counterparts.
The word pairs with serviceman (a man in the military), though you'll often hear people use service member or service members to refer to anyone in the military regardless of gender. When someone thanks servicewomen and servicemen for their service, they're expressing gratitude to everyone who has chosen to serve in uniform and protect their country.