What have you learned about the military that surprised you?

2017-11-14T12:13:22-05:00

The other day I learned in talking to a former MP that there have been females in the Old Guard. Never new or thought this was possible as its an infantry unit. However when an MP unit was attached to the 3rd Infantry this allowed females an opportunity to volunteer for the Old Guard. In 1996 Sergeant Heather Lynn Johnsen became the first woman to earn the prestigious tomb guard identification badge, an honor afforded to only some +400 soldiers since it was created in 1958. Since 1996 there have been 4 females that have served in the prestigious 3rd Infantry Old Guard.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2017 12:16 PM

2017-11-14T12:16:50-05:00

I remember this article about SGT Johnsen in those old Soldiers Magazines.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 14 at 2017 12:41 PM

2017-11-14T12:41:24-05:00

I learned what the Coast Guard does. As a USAF C-130 pilot I learned about the Army and Marines "up close and personal" hauling their people and stuff around for years. AF officer education taught us about the Army, Navy, and Marines also. The Coasties were seldom mentioned. My Coast Guard education started with a USCG exchange pilot in a C-130 qualification course. He was my flying partner as we both qualified as C-130 pilots (my second time through the course). Later on I served on Unified Command Staffs with USCG officers. The multifaceted mission capabilities of this small military service are very interesting. They fly reconnaissance and rescue missions using fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft; they patrol the US Coast Lines; they inspect all types of boats and ships for Marine Safety and compliance with Federal Law; they have arrest powers to enforce Federal Law; they are often responsible for water-side security at military ports or when military operations are taking place at civilian ports; they sail ice breakers, cutters, and many types of smaller boats; they provide emergency evacuation for civilians during and after natural disasters; they deploy with other US military forces to provide their unique expertise and to enforce US law and international agreements.