On April 12, Loren Ross from Washington State, enlisted as an 11X (Infantryman). The Snohomish, Washington resident comes from a family of service members - her grandfathers on both sides, an uncle and her father, who was also an infantryman.
"I joined the U.S. Army to make a difference," said Loren. "I know it's the typical thing people say, but I saw other women in combat positions and I told myself I can do it too," she added. "If I can pull my weight, I can show the guys that women can do it, and it'll make it so much easier for everyone."
Brigadier Gen. Donna Martin, U.S. Army Recruiting Command deputy commanding general, operations, conducted the swear-in ceremony for Ross with Command Sgts. Maj. Cynthia Reed and Latosha Ravenell in attendance.
"It was insane to see the amount of support I got," said Ross. "Everyone was smiling and made me comfortable," she continued. "I'm so young and I want to make something so 'big' happen at my age… It's surreal."
Then, on April 13, Levani Ilasa, a Port Orchard resident, enlisted as a 19K becoming the first female M1 Armor Crewman in the country.
"A lot of people think one person can't make a difference, but I'm the first female tanker," said Ilasa. "I'm excited to be able to put in the work, even more than what's expected to prove people wrong, to go out and give even more than I have," she said.
Lieutenant Col. Vylius Leskys, Seattle Army Recruiting Battalion commander, swore Levani in, with Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Conyers, battalion command sergeant major, other service members and veterans in attendance.
"The Army is a truly inclusive community," said Leskys. "Our force is committed to having the right person in the right job at the right time, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or creed," he emphasized.
"We are working diligently to integrate women into all career fields across the force," said Leskys. "And as evidenced by our recent female enlistments in the Infantry and Armor branches, we are succeeding in that integration."
Ilasa said having the support was important.
"It was an overwhelming feeling to have people - who didn't' even know my name before - talk to me and give me their support," said Ilasa. Staff Sgt. Weaver was instrumental in helping her achieve this milestone, she said.
Both enlistees said they know the road ahead will be challenging but are determined to do what they're passionate about.
"If someone tells you, you can't do something, you should do it for you, not for them," said Ross. "Find your motivation, stick to it, and don't let yourself drift away from it," she continued.
Levani echoed that sentiment.
"Naysayers don't have anything on you," Ilasa said. "You can do anything under the sun and what interests you," she said. You can do it."
The Infantryman and M1 Armor Crewmember military occupational specialties became available for females April 1, 2016.
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