Photo By Sgt. Joaquin Vasquez-Duran | U.S. Army Colonel Robin Hoeflein, Chief of Staff for Task Force Spartan and 40th...... read more read more
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – As we commemorate Women's Equality Day, we are reminded of the continued journey towards achieving gender equality within every aspect of society. Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1919 by the U.S. Congress, which guarantees the right to vote regardless of gender.
The progress made in the armed forces stands as a testament to the determination and dedication of women who have broken down barriers, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for a more inclusive and effective military.
“The day is not lost on me as I reflect on the women who fought hard for decades for our nation to move closer in living out the sacred ideal that all people are created equal,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Marlena DeCelle, Deputy Commanding General-Support of Task Force Spartan, 40th Infantry Division.
August 26th is not only a celebration of the hard-won rights of women but also a moment to reflect on the work that remains to be done in ensuring genuine gender parity within the military.
The significance of this day becomes even more profound when we consider the context of where the celebrations are taking place, in a region where traditional norms conflict with modern Western ideas.
U.S. Army Col. Robin Hoeflein, Chief of Staff for Task Force Spartan, 40th Infantry Division, has been involved in various missions throughout her career. Between COVID-19 response, wildland firefighting and various leading roles in service, she leads a diverse multifaceted team. Hoeflein is committed to her role with an iron sight and focus. Hoeflein was a panelist with other military women leaders to commemorate Women’s Equality Day at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait.
Despite the significant progress made, stereotypes, discrimination, and systemic biases have been formidable obstacles that women have had to overcome. Gender-based discrimination, harassment, and being passed over for opportunities are present concerns of women across all branches. Another challenge to consider is being a mother, Hoeflein said.
She commends the women who balance the workload of a successful military career with the responsibility of being a parent. Hoeflein, a mother of two, is happy to do her part in getting to know Soldiers and understand what’s important to them, she said.
“It’s just as important to help facilitate being successful in the workplace as well as being successful as a parent,” said Hoeflein.
DeCelle spoke at a different event commemorating Women’s Equality Day that took place at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. DeCelle’s children, being collegiate athletes, are always burdened with the expectation of performance and output. The most pivotal moments for her children were when opponents and recruiters overlooked or misjudged them, said DeCelle.
“But just as my children seized the opportunity to prove themselves on the field or on the court, we, as women in the military, must use our time in service to display our true value to the organization and the mission,” said DeCelle.
DeCelle, who commanded a Military Police Brigade during the 2020 civil disturbances in California, discussed her experience of how every move had the potential of being scrutinized or having extra eyes on. A sizable number of males in service have limited interactions with female Soldiers, particularly in combat arms so even a single negative incident or interaction can soil the impression of women serving for years to come, she said.
“This unforgiving microscope makes what our female forebearers did in the fight for equality even more impressive,” DeCelle said. “We must remember to thank these trailblazers for not only their service but for paving the way.”
Even when women are capable, efficient, and skilled, they are not spared from the sight of this microscope. There exists an external and internal conflict between being perceived as a respected leader versus a bossy woman and for Hoeflein, this conversation is getting old.
“I'm hoping that in the future, we'll move beyond it, and that people are seen for what they bring to the table, regardless of their gender,” said Hoeflein. “And we're not putting these titles of ‘Bossy Woman’ versus a strong leader, or a competent leader on each other.”
Some of the larger challenges that the military face aren’t enemies abroad. Off the battlefield there exists a foxhole, where in place of a struggle involving arms, is a fray for women’s recognition.
Witnessing women being sidelined and assigned unassuming tasks instead of being considered for more challenging opportunities is something she has observed, DeCelle said.
“But we can’t let this deter us. We must use every chance to show our unbreakable determination and how essential our contributions are,” she said.
Planning large-scale combat operations for the 40th ID’s pre-deployment exercises had learning curves by Hoeflein’s own admission - but that obstacle only pushed her to go farther in understanding the task at hand. She chose to educate herself quickly and get up to speed to learn as much as she could while also working with her staff, Hoeflein said.
“I wasn't afraid to say, hey, I don't understand this, can you take some time to explain to me how this is going to work and how we're shaping deep operations that go into large-scale combat operations?” said Hoeflein. “And it was just saying, ‘Hey, I'm not sure about this,’ but I said it with confidence. I'm still in charge.”
Hoeflein was asked by the audience, “How have you adopted your leadership skills to your principles?”
Hoeflein reflected on her time as a company commander and facing a unique situation in a deployed environment. She had to give an Article 15, one of the more severe punitive punishments for military members, to a well-intended private who just couldn’t do the right thing. Her fellow commander advised her on how to administer the Article 15 and was insistent on her being a stern disciplinarian, she said.
“I tried it, it didn't work well, it was very uncomfortable to me. I did not communicate very well with this private that I was trying to get through to because I wasn't being authentic,” Hoeflein said. From that moment, she decided to do what's comfortable for her, she said. She doesn’t feel the need to communicate by yelling or screaming to connect and influence her staff of hundreds of Soldiers, Hoeflein said.
One of the most important keywords to walk away from this is “authentic”. Being authentic as an individual, as a woman, as a Soldier.
DeCelle aims for territory where expertise, technique, and ability to glow and dance like a ball of fire shining through a night sky.
“Real empowerment comes when we prove ourselves on a level playing field,” DeCelle said. “While fighting for women’s equality, it is imperative that we keep a balanced view and ensure we meet every required standard. As we push for equal treatment, let’s not expect special treatment. The goal is to strengthen our military family, not to seek exceptions.”
Women's participation in the armed forces has evolved significantly over the years. From being confined to non-combat roles to now commanding fleets, and whole combat units. The stories of women generals, admirals, and decorated combat veterans are living proof that gender does not determine capability.
These achievements serve as an inspiration to young women who dream of donning the uniform and contribute to their nation's security. The barriers that once limited their service are being gradually dismantled, and the armed forces are stronger as a result.
As Women's Equality Day concludes, it serves as a reminder of the battles won and the ground still left to cover. The armed forces have made admirable strides in embracing gender equality, breaking down traditional barriers, and valuing diversity.
“There is no fairy godmother coming to our rescue. We haven’t accidently left our glass slippers behind; we’ve purposely raised our right hands and have chosen to wear combat boots,” said DeCelle.
| Date Taken: | 08.29.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2023 09:31 |
| Story ID: | 452730 |
| Location: | KW |
| Web Views: | 23 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Combat Boots, not Glass Slippers, by SGT Joaquin Vasquez-Duran, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
