"You're a heartless tiger of a woman," she said.
"No," Julie said, "I'm a vivandière."

Women have been following men to war, and often fighting themselves, for as long as war has existed. They have served varieties of roles from simple cook or laundress, to soldier; they have been nurses, spies and mascots. Women at war have been both respected and dismissed, accepted and argued in every paternal society; though seldom have they found an equal footing with men on the battlefield.

From the Amazons to the Odyssey, tales of female warriors are found in classic literature. Women such as Joan of Arc and the Molly Pitchers of the American Revolution (named so for the pitchers they carried on the battlefield), along with many others, both real and contrived, have found their ways into popular folklore.

In modern times, many armies began to see uses for women in the military, if only to boost morale or wash clothing. Over time women have become integrated into the armed forces of most countries and many have managed to gain equal footing by proving themselves strong and determined.

The French Imperial army of the 19th century under Emporer Napoleon III are considered by many the best fighting force of the day. Known for their elaborate uniforms of African style and their precision in drill and battle, the Zouaves were the best of the best. No wonder that both soldiers and officers from both sides chose to copy the style during the American Civil War.

The origins of the term Vivandière are not wholly known. It is thought to be derived from the 12th Century words "Viande," French for "meat" or the Latin root "Vivenda" meaning "food." Throughout the subsequent centuries, Vivandière would receive a variety of meanings, usually "hospitality giver," "life giver," and later the more sophisticated, "one who sells food and drink to the troops."

Vivandières first appeared in French armies, they existed before Zouaves but gained the most notariety from them. As early as the 1650s, Vivandières kept troops supplied with food and other necessities and were regulated by the army. Vivandières were separated from their counterparts, Cantinières, by being allowed on the field of battle. Cantinières were to remain in camp.

One fact that has held true for Vivandières through the centuries is that they were almost exclusively the wives of soldiers. By 1800, Vivandières had begun carrying their trademark wooden kegs, often painted red, white and blue and containing brandy. In this same period, the Vivandière first gained her status as a military figure. Clothing was changed to give it a more military look, having the same cut and color of the unit's uniform.

In 1854 the term "Vivandière" was officially replaced by "Cantinière," although the former term would remain the more popular in America. By the mid 1860s, the Vivandière was fully assimilated into the French army, receiving pay and decorations along with the men. A French army regulation of 1865 set the number of Vivandières at one per Infantry battalion, two per Light Infantry battalion, two per Cavalry squadron, and four per Artillery or Engineer regiment.