Photo By Maj. Brian Sutherland | Staff Sgt. Cinthia Ramirez from 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry...... read more read more
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Fort Cavazos, Texas, Sept. 25, 2024 --- Nearly two years ago Staff Sgt. Cinthia Ramirez became the first female to graduate from the Abrams Master Gunner course. Since then, she has inspired others and led the way in 1st Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division as the battalion Master Gunner (MG).
Ramirez enlisted in the Army immediately out of high school at the age of 18, becoming the first person in her family to join the military. "I didn’t want my parents to pay for college,” said Ramirez. “I joined for the benefits and to do something no one has done in my family.” She has served in the Army for seven years and spent all seven of those years here at Fort Cavazos, TX. After earning the rank of sergeant, she realized that she needed to start setting goals for herself in the US Army, and was inspired by other NCOs and leaders in her organization.
“My first platoon sergeant was a Master Gunner (MG), and he inspired me to become one once I fully understood what a MG was,” said Ramirez. “Once I became an NCO, one of my fellow platoon sergeants had just returned from the course and said I would be a perfect candidate."
A MG has a wide array of duties outside that of a normal Abrams or Bradley crewman. They are considered subject matter experts on the weapon system and vehicle platforms, and play a critical role in Army's overall mission. They are also responsible for all aspects of gunnery training, developing training materials, overseeing live-fire ranges, and ensuring that all safety standards are followed. Master Gunners also have the duty of advising commanders and being part of the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of all combat and gunnery-related training.
After graduating from the MG course, Ramirez's role and work life changed completely with her new MG duties and responsibilities. “We work all the time, especially when it comes to prepping for field problems and exercises. We have late nights constantly getting work done. I’ve learned that MGs are very knowledgeable, and everyone goes to them for the expertise they have. Gunnery is something we take great pride in, and it allows us to use everything we’ve learned and put it to use.”
Along with being the first female to finish the course, she is also the first Hispanic female to graduate. “I think it has definitely humbled me in many ways,” said Ramirez. “It’s not just about being female; it’s more about ensuring we hold up our end when it comes to physical capabilities. Mindset is never an issue when it comes to understanding our jobs. It's the physical aspect that may require extra work to help our brothers. This is why we have to have an understanding of that and know we can do what males can, but we may require more work, and that’s okay. If you're humble enough for that, then combat MOSs are no issue.”
Ramirez hopes her story inspires all soldiers, and not just females, who are headed to the MG course or any Army school. “Get ready for stressful nights, long study nights, and a lot of knowledge thrown your way,” said Ramirez. “But once you graduate or pass each test block, it’s all worth it. You meet the best instructors who stay in your life even afterward, and maybe even the best friendships form as well. We all became family, and we always will be.” Since graduating the MG course in 2022, her story has paved the way for others to do the same. Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Cox, another female armored crewman assigned to the Texas Army National Guard’s 3rd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, became the first female National Guard soldier to graduate from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center’s Abrams Master Gunner Course in 2023.
When asked what advice she would give to any Soldier, male or female, Hispanic or not, Ramirez said, "If you don't know what you want to do in your career, that's okay. Try everything out — schools, promotions, boards, anything. Don't be afraid to pursue something outside of the norm. If you don't succeed, at least you tried. Try again if you want, but don't let failure scare you; don't let the influence of leadership dictate how you pursue your career. We are all human. We choose this job, so choose what you do with it."
| Date Taken: | 09.25.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2024 16:51 |
| Story ID: | 481790 |
| Location: | FORT CAVAZOS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 114 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Abrams Master Gunner Leads the Way during Gunnery Training, by SPC Nathan Morse, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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