Iowa National Guard via Twitter
Iowa National Guard via Twitter
Taylor Patterson of Ankeny has become the first female enlisted infantry soldier in the Iowa National Guard.
Patterson's successful training was made possible when the U.S. Army opened up combat arms positions for women back in 2016. Following her training, Patterson joined Company C, 168th Infantry in June 2020 and enlisted in the infantry, KCRG reported Oct. 25.
"I had Taylor years ago in literacy. Awesome to see all she is accomplishing!" said Patterson's former teacher Kristen Geist in a tweet. "Ankeny woman becomes first female enlisted infantry soldier in the Iowa National Guard,"
Over the last five years, other women have enlisted as 11B infantrymen within the Iowa National Guard, but only Patterson thus far has been successful, making her the first one that has been able to complete the 22-week training, Keloland reported..
“There obviously was a lot of guys who didn’t think the females were able to do that, but I am like, I am proving it to you,” said Patterson, according to KRCG.
When explaining the reasons for her success, Patterson made it known that her support system has always been her family, in addition to the drill sergeants in infantry school, according to Keloland.
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