It’s Memorial Day which means a weekend full of barbecues, festivities, and remembering our soldiers who have protected and are protecting our country. This is an exciting year as it is the first year that women are able to serve in any combat position in the military. This took effect in early January and since then more and more women have been taking steps toward complete equality within the military. In the words of my dear friend Sarah Wise, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, “the strength, bravery, and capabilities of women in the military have been underestimated. It’s time to shed light on their badass abilities.” We agree, so in honor of this special day, we are giving a well-deserved shout out to three badass women who consistently prove that the skills, loyalty and intelligence required to protect our country are not gender-specific and have inspired other women to do the same.
1 | Capt. Kristen Griest
How’s this for making history: In August, 2015, Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver were the first to graduate from Ranger School. The Army states that to earn the title of Ranger, students must undergo one of the most taxing endeavors – both mentally and physically. Not only was Capt. Griest one of the first women to graduate from this school, she then went on to become the first infantry officer. Her duties will consist of “leading the infantry and combined armed forces during land combat.” Griest clearly has a dozen qualities that make her badass, but her courage and dedication to making her dream of serving this country deserve our respect. Can we say girl crush?
2 | Private First Class Katherine Beatty.
Pfc. Katherine Beatty originally pursued signal intelligence as her military occupational specialty, but after realizing that wasn’t what she wanted she went up to become the first female cannoneer. A cannon crew member, or an artilleryman, is responsible for weapons that have a farther range than typical infantry weapons. This role requires substantial physical and mental strength and involves a lot of heavy lifting, but Beatty excels at her position and is able to pass the Army’s High Physical Demand Test – which would put any standard workout to shame. A bright, strong and dedicated woman who risks her life to protect others? We consider that as proof that she’s a real life superhero.
3 | Brigadier General Diana Holland.
On January 5, 2016, “for the first time in its history, the Army has installed a female officer as the commandant of cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, or USMA, at West Point, New York.” Not only are women making strides toward equality on the battlefield, they are also stepping up in the classroom and in training. As the first female commander at West Point, one of the most well-known military academies in the United States, Brig. Gen. Holland will be in charge of the 76th commandant of cadets and will be responsible for training them to just as badass as she is. Get it, General Holland!
These are just three of a countless number of inspiring women who are helping to keep America safe. We here at Badass + Living would like to thank every woman and man who is out there protecting our freedom.
Happy Memorial Day.
Photo 1: Wikipedia 2: The US Army 3. NBC News
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