The Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC) was authorized on August 13, 1941, in response to a shortage of personnel caused by the increase in the size of Canada's navy, army and air force. At first the organization was called the Canadian Women's Auxiliary Corps and was not an official part of the armed forces. On March 13, 1942, the women were inducted into the Canadian Army and became the Canadian Women's Army Corps. They wore a cap badge of three maple leaves, and collar badges of the goddess Athena.