We Have Come a Long Way
Anna Lea Seago
Preface to the text: My basic training was unusual in that we were trying to prove that women could have a place in the “one Army” concept. At the time, we were Women’s Army Corps (WAC). During basic, we took the M-16 apart, cleaned it, and had safety classes, but we never fired the weapon.
This story takes place two years later and is about my first exposure to the firing line.
The 336th was an outstanding unit. They had served in Viet Nam and lost no one. They received the Meritorious Unit Citation for their work. They were part of the 122d Army Reserve Command in Little Rock, Arkansas, and I was a recruiter for them.
~Staff Sergeant Anna Lea Seago, 336th Ammo BN, Little Rock, AR, May 1977
My name, which appeared on the list to report for M-16 qualification, might as well have been in flashing neon lights. Always knowing that one day it would happen didn’t help it feel any more real. My heart sank—I was finally going to fire the M-16 with the men. Really, me.
The day was hot and humid, a Saturday. Apprehension, excitement, and curiosity made me show up early. Most of the other women there to fire had mixed emotions. No words were spoken, but the feelings were heavy in the air. Our place in the Army/Army Reserve was the proverbial question, and we were always being tested.
Arriving en masse at Camp Robinson, we looked somewhat like soldiers. At least we were all in OD. We were treated as equals. Men and women formed up together for assignment, one firer and one coach. Safety instructions were read.
Those having fired the M-16 were to be the first on the line to fire. Some females were in that group, and one turned out to be a fantastic shot. She had great form and treated the weapon as if it were an old friend. Some of my apprehension was quelled just watching her fire.
Then it was my turn. Those of us who had known about the M-16, being shown it in basic training or reading about it in SOLDIERS or some such publication, stepped up to the line like troopers.
Ready on the right! Ready on the left! Commence fire!
A scream was heard from somewhere.
I couldn’t keep my eyes open to see what I had done. It’s just as well. My first round possibly hit something. On the next round, I was able to hold my eyes open and just flinch a little. By the third round, my heart was back in its place. I felt stronger, but my hearing was a total loss in spite of my ear plugs.
After the qualification, I felt as though I could fire again and again. There were some tears of relief, but we all made it through—just like the men!
We proved that Women are strong. Women do have a place in the Army/Army Reserve, but it may take a little time and training for all of us to stand tall in the firing line.
Load your weapons. Take up a good sight picture. Prepare to fire.
ISSUED 