Vaught joined the military in the 1950s when there were strong restrictions on the number of women who could be in the military and the capacity in which they could serve. Some of these policies changed in 1967 due to an increased need for human resources caused by the
Vietnam War. Vaught then became an officer and was deployed to
Vietnam. at Arlington National Cemetery in 2007 In January 1957, Vaught was commissioned a second lieutenant following her completion of
Officer Training School at
Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. She then spent three months as a student at the Statistical Services Officers' Course at
Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. In September 1957, she was assigned to the 805th Air Base Group,
Barksdale Air Force Base, as chief of the Data Services Branch and, as an additional duty, commanded the
Women's Air Force Squadron Section. Vaught served at
Zaragoza Air Base, Spain, as chief of the Management Analysis Division, 3974th Combat Support Group, from April 1959 to April 1963. Returning to the United States, she then was assigned to the
306th Combat Support Group at
McCoy Air Force Base, Florida, as chief of the Data Services Division. She later became chief of the Management Analysis Division for the
306th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) at McCoy. During this period, the general became the first woman to deploy with a
Strategic Air Command operational unit when she served a temporary duty tour as executive officer and chief of the Management Analysis Division, 4133rd Provisional Bombardment Wing at
Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during
Operation Arc Light. From June 1967 to September 1968, Vaught was a graduate student at the
University of Alabama. Her next year was spent as a management analyst in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Comptroller,
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV), in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam. and was chairperson of the Committee of Women in the NATO Armed Forces. In 1983, General Vaught was given the Illini Achievement Award by the University of Illinois; an award given annually to recognize the accomplishments of distinguished graduates. She also served as president of the board of directors of the
Pentagon Federal Credit Union from April 1976 to July 1982. She is the only woman in its history to hold this position. Her military decorations and awards include the
Defense Distinguished Service Medal,
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal,
Legion of Merit,
Bronze Star Medal,
Meritorious Service Medal,
Joint Service Commendation Medal,
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster,
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon with oak leaf cluster,
National Defense Service Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars,
Armed Forces Reserve Medal,
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon,
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, and
Vietnam Campaign Medal. ==Activity after military career==