First Women Complete Elite Army Training
August 21, 2015
First Lt. Kristen Griest (left) carries a fellow soldier during combat training at Army Ranger School at Fort Benning on April 20, 2015. Credit: Spec. Nikayla Shodeen, U.S. Army
Today, Captain Kristen Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Haver became the first women ever to graduate from the elite U.S. Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Griest and Haver, both graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, received their coveted “Ranger tabs,” the decoration for having completed the course. However, they will not be eligible to join, like their fellow male graduates, the 75th Ranger Regiment, a combat-oriented Special Operations Force. That regiment still excludes women.
First Lt. Shaye Haver during Ranger School training on July 12, 2015. Credit: Pfc. Yvette Zabala-Garriga, U.S. Army
This is likely to change very soon, however. The results of studies done by all four military branches are due to be presented later this year. U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has said that, barring drastic (and unexpected) opposition in the reports, all ground combat positions will be open to women—as early as next year.
Finishing the difficult Ranger course is an outstanding achievement for any soldier. The course has a 58 percent “washout” rate (failure to finish)—and this among already fit and hardened troops. Over 61 days, “students” get very little sleep as they balance, climb, dangle, hike, parachute, run, rappel (descend a rock face by rope), shiver, and often go hungry, all while carrying heavy packs and weapons—and often each other. All this is done under extremely stressful conditions in the heat of Georgia woods, in the cold of the mountains, and in the swamps of Florida. Physical fitness is raised to fanatical levels, and endurance is prized above all else. How much can you take?
But it’s not all about brawn. To be a Ranger you need brains, too. Aside from combat and squad tactical training (emphasizing raiding and reconnaissance), students must demonstrate innovative leadership ability, solve complex problems, and overcome seemingly impossible odds.
The Ranger graduation ceremony is held at the appropriately named Victory Pond parade ground at Fort Benning. The sense of joy and accomplishment students feel upon graduation is accompanied by one of great mental and physical relief.
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