In 1997, she became vice chair. The committee advises the secretary of defense on policies and matters relating to women in the armed forces. The greatest benefit of her job, she said, is the opportunity to meet military men and women and see their professionalism and career dedication. The committee makes several trips each year to military installations to gather information from service members. The topic is whatever military personnel want to discuss.
Discussion is in confidential group sessions broken down by rank and sex.
Following each visit, the committee submits detailed reports to the secretary of defense. That involves using the best available talent pool. And, she said, to keep the best, the military has to provide the best. Although Bilby saw career progression opportunities increase for women, there's much to be accomplished in the future, she said. Bilby said current issues resemble past issues.