Each year, the US President proclaims Women’s Equality Day to commemorate the constitutional amendment granting American women the right to vote. The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was certified as law on August 26, 1920, and since 1973, this milestone for women’s equality has been celebrated by Presidential Proclamation.
This year, I think we have a special way of recognizing women’s equality through the achievements of two young women. Recently, two young women, 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, 25, and Capt. Kristen Griest, 26, became the first woman to complete the U.S. Army’s Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga.
These two women achievers completed the most intense and demanding course in the military. How intense and demanding? Participants are expected to operate on limited food and sleep while
facing tests of physical endurance, skill, and combat in woods, on mountains, and in swamps. For example, the first phase alone demands 49 push-ups, 59 sit-ups, a five-mile run in 40 minutes, and a combat survival swim test. This phase ends with a 12-mile road march that must be completed in three hours while the soldier carries many pounds of gear. Whew! I’m exhausted.
Maj. Gen. Scott Miller, the guest speaker at the August 21 graduation ceremony, made the point that both women completed the course to the same standards as their 94 male classmates. A fellow Ranger, Rudy Mac, gives a first-hand description of the experience the women endured in a recent article.
Despite their achievements, unlike their male Army Ranger counterparts, Shaye and Kristen can’t apply to join the 75th Ranger Regiment, an elite special operations force. However, later this year, the Pentagon will make final decisions about what combat roles women will be allowed to fill.
Regardless, I’m sure you’ll agree that these young women have shed a positive light on what women’s equality means. Shaye and Kristen are definitely their mothers’ daughters. You go, girls!
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from “Career + Professional Development Category” to ” CAREER & BUSINESS CATEGORY” on 9/8/2023.
