What act authorized the integration of women into the U.S. Armed Forces?

The Women's Armed Services Integration Act is the legislation that authorized the integration of women into the U.S. Armed Forces, paving the way for their full participation in the military. Enacted in 1948, this act allowed women to serve in regular components of the armed forces, thus formally treating their service as equal to that of men. The act was crucial in expanding women's roles in the military from auxiliary positions to a broader range of responsibilities, ultimately leading to significant changes in military policy and culture regarding gender inclusion.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not specifically pertain to the legal integration of women into the U.S. military. The Women Marines Act, for example, specifically addressed the entry of women into the Marine Corps, but it did not encompass all branches of the military. The Women’s Combat Role Act and the Women Empowerment Act do not exist as formal legislation that aligns with the historical context of women's integration into the armed forces. Thus, the Women's Armed Services Integration Act stands out as the definitive act that authorized this essential milestone in military history.