Marine Serves as Gunner, ‘Lioness' in Iraq
(May 6, 2009) |
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Marine Corps Cpl. Susy H. Aguilar sights in and prepares her .50-caliber machine gun for a test fire at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, April 21, 2009. Aguilar extended her contract with the Marine Corps to deploy as a machine gunner. She serves with Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 2nd Marine Logistics Group |
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CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq, May 1, 2009 --
Cpl. Susy H. Aguilar was a city girl from coastal California
when she shocked her family and friends in 2005 to become
the first in her family to join the Marine Corps.
But joining the Marines was only the first step in many that
would surprise and impress those around her.
Aguilar started her military career as a supply clerk at
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms,
Calif. Shortly thereafter, she deployed to Iraq in 2006.
During her deployment, Aguilar stepped out of the warehouse
and into the ranks of an infantry unit to serve as a
“lioness,” the name given to female servicemembers who
search Iraqi women. The program was created to ease cultural
sensitivities over interaction between coalition forces and
Iraqi women. |
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Aguilar said she jumped at the chance to
serve with the otherwise all-male infantry unit, and that
her experiences with the “grunts” have had a profound impact
on her.
“There was a time when we were out in what seemed like the
middle of nowhere,” she said, recalling her first combat
experience. “I was already scared as it was, and then we
started to get mortared.
“There was a little [Iraqi] boy who I had been interacting
with,” she continued. “He was really scared, and wouldn't
leave my side. One of the grunts came back, gave me his flak
jacket and told me to put it on the boy. He had no problem
giving up his flak and risking his own safety. That is when
I decided I wanted to do a more combat-related [job]. I
wanted to be more like them.”
Before her next deployment to Iraq, Aguilar volunteered to
go through the machine gunner's course, even though she
doubted that she, as a woman, would be called upon to put
the skills to use. She already had extended her enlistment
contract in hopes of experiencing the deployment from the
turret of an armored vehicle.
“I was really shocked when my name was called and I had been
chosen,” she said.
Aguilar was then assigned to Transportation Support Company,
Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 2nd Marine Logistics Group,
and deployed for her second tour to Iraq in February. She
not only was new to the company, but also had to establish
her capabilities in the eyes of her male counterparts.
“I wasn't nervous, but I knew I had to prove myself to them
when I was taking apart the gun, cleaning it, or doing a
test fire,” she said. “I always felt like they were watching
me to see if I knew what I was doing.” However, it didn't
take long for the platoon to realize that Aguilar had what
it took to be a gunner and could be counted upon to provide
fire support if necessary.
Aside from her role as a gunner, Aguilar ensures the trucks
are ready to go before a convoy, and makes sure the right
personnel are on manifest documents.
“Of all of my corporals, Aguilar is definitely one of the
best,” said Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Andy Smith, Aguilar's
platoon commander. “She does her job and a lot more. She
does a lot around the motor pool. She shows up to the
convoys an hour early just to make sure everything's ready
so we can roll out.”
Aguilar said she has worked hard to gain the respect of her
fellow Marines, and that she thinks highly of her platoon
mates.
“We have the best drivers, the best assistant drivers and
the best mechanics,” Aguilar said. “Everyone is good at what
they do, and there is a lot of trust in our platoon. It's
awesome just knowing that they trust me on the gun to
protect them and knowing that they can protect me if I need
them to.”
Aguilar said she encourages more female Marines to step up
and do the jobs that women don't often do.
“I have grown a lot both as a Marine and as a person,” she
said. “Even through the bad times, I have never regretted my
decision to become a gunner.” | |
Article and photo by Marine Lance Cpl. Melissa Latty
2nd Marine Logistics Group's public affairs office
Special to American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2009
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