Women in Combat - Natural Born Killers - Battle Ready - GQ Magazine

Summary

This transcript captures the experiences of a female Army chaplain who has served three deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division. She reflects on her military journey, sharing insights about gender challenges, her motivation to empower her daughters, and the personal sacrifices required in military service. The chaplain discusses how her mother’s legacy influenced her decision to join, as well as the obstacles she faced, including misconceptions about female performance in combat arms roles. Despite the struggles, she emphasizes her pride in serving and fulfilling her mission, highlighting her dedication to the soldiers she supports.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has been deployed three times with the 101st Airborne Division, twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan, and is about to deploy for the fourth time to Afghanistan.
• 😀 The speaker is a chaplain in the military, which is a unique position, especially in a field artillery unit, an unusual placement for a female chaplain.
• 😀 The speaker has served in the military for approximately two and a half years, following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a military intelligence officer.
• 😀 The speaker chose the Army over the Navy, as the Army provided more opportunities for her as a female compared to the Navy's limited roles for women at the time.
• 😀 The speaker joined the Army after 9/11 as a single mother of two, seeking to empower her daughters by demonstrating that women can achieve anything they set their minds to.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges the challenges of being a female in a traditionally male-dominated field, particularly in combat arms, and the biases against female leadership.
• 😀 Despite obstacles, the speaker is determined not to be undermined by others' perceptions of her abilities, especially while pregnant during her second deployment.
• 😀 The speaker describes the emotional toll of military deployments, as they leave families behind for extended periods, impacting relationships, particularly with her children.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the unique experiences gained from military deployments, which few civilians will ever experience, focusing on the value of service rather than personal recognition.
• 😀 The speaker takes pride in her role as a soldier, finding personal fulfillment in serving others and fulfilling her duty as a member of the military.

Q & A

What is the significance of the combat patch mentioned in the transcript?

The combat patch is awarded after spending 30 days in a combat zone. The speaker mentions having received it after being deployed three times, reflecting their active duty experience in various conflict zones.

How many times has the speaker been deployed, and where?

The speaker has been deployed three times: twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. They are about to deploy for the fourth time with the same division to Afghanistan.

Why was the speaker given the opportunity to serve in a field artillery unit?

The speaker, as a female chaplain, was given the unique opportunity to serve in a field artillery unit, which is irregular for women in the military, showcasing the breaking of gender norms in certain military roles.

What is the speaker's background before joining the military?

The speaker has been in the military for about 2.5 years and chose to follow in their mother's footsteps, who served as a military intelligence officer. The speaker decided to join the Army to have more opportunities as a female, as options in the Navy were limited at the time.

What motivated the speaker to join the military after 9/11?

The speaker, a single mother of two, joined the military after 9/11 as a way to empower their daughters and show them that women could achieve anything. It was also a way to change their own circumstances and provide a better future.

How does the speaker perceive the challenges of being a female in the military?

The speaker acknowledges that many male service members may not be comfortable with a female in charge, especially in combat arms roles. There is a common perception among some that women are weaker and unable to perform at the same level, though the speaker challenges these assumptions.

How did the speaker's views on military service evolve after becoming a mother?

Initially, the speaker was uncertain about their future in the military, particularly during their first pregnancy. However, after becoming a mother, they gained a new perspective on the opportunities the military provides, not just for them but also for their children.

What stance did the speaker take during their second pregnancy when their role was questioned?

During their second pregnancy, the speaker faced doubts about their ability to continue in their position. Despite this, the speaker was determined to prove they could perform their duties effectively, reinforcing their commitment to their role and pushing back against limiting assumptions.

What impact does deployment have on the speaker's family life?

The speaker highlights the emotional toll of long deployments, where they spend significant time away from their family. Their oldest daughter is seven years old, and the speaker has spent only about three years of those seven with her, reflecting the personal sacrifices involved in military service.

What does the speaker mean by 'experiences while deployed are experiences that a lot of people don’t get'?

The speaker refers to the unique and intense experiences that come with being deployed, experiences that most people never encounter. This highlights the personal sacrifices and challenges military personnel face in service to their country.