The Puerto Rico National Guard (GNPR) presented today, Friday, the first two Puerto Rican women to enter the infantry specialty in that military corps.
In accordance with the guidelines of the United States Department of Defense, the GNPR opened the combat specialties to women to allow them greater participation and professional development possibilities.
Through a press release, it was reported that the contribution of women in the United States Army has been extremely important, especially during the past 16 years in which the Nation has been mired in great challenges around the world.
Sergeant Amy González Acosta, has 8 years in the National Guard of Puerto Rico, as 12C2O (Bridge Assembly Specialist) and is one of the first women who decides to accept the opportunity to transition from her current military specialty, to the branch of the infantry.
“It has been a great challenge, but I am a person who sets goals and meets them. Physical strength is important, but mental strength is much more, ”Gonzalez said.
In addition to the physical demand and mental presence necessary to pass the course, the infantry represents the real possibility of facing the face-to-face adversary in combat, according to the GNPR.
The presence of women in the combat branches of the National Guard and the Reserve of the United States is possible since in 2016 their recruitment was approved in all branches and military specialties without distinction.
Meanwhile, the specialist Evelyn J. Cameron Tapia, who belongs to the 296 Infantry Company in Mayaguez, said she is very satisfied with her work and is ready for new opportunities.
“I feel many emotions at once. In a moment I thought I would not succeed. I am happy and proud to be able to represent women in this military field. I am pleased to have done my best and achieved my goal. Now I have to expand the skills acquired in missions and other training related to infantry. It’s something I like and I’m ready for new opportunities, ”said Cameron.
It is estimated that women make up 14 percent of the Regular Army, 23 percent of the Reserve and 16 percent of the National Guard.
The Puerto Rico National Guard (land branch) is made up of about 5,760 members, of which 767 are women.
“It should be noted that, in the National Guard, and the military system, women and men are treated equally, receiving equal pay for the same job and having the same opportunities for professional progress,” said the GNPR general assistant, Jose Reyes
“We have been the pioneers in inclusion and in offering real professional opportunities. That is what makes the National Guard attractive, the opportunity to grow, develop, choose to move forward in life and above all serve with distinction, pride and commitment to the people, ”he said.
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