Since the Army's Sapper School opened its doors to female soldiers in 1999, only nine female enlisted soldiers have graduated. One of them is Staff Sgt. Ariana Sanchez, who is now the first female instructor at the course.
Having immigrated to New Jersey from Ecuador at age 17, she joined the Army to challenge herself. When she went on active duty, "They asked me what I wanted to be, and I told them I wanted to be in a combat MOS," she told a military reporter.
She chose combat engineer and graduated from the Sapper Leader Course in 2019. She also earned her airborne wings and air assault badge. Preparing for an assignment in Hawaii, she received a phone call from Sapper School offering her the opportunity to become an instructor. The schoolhouse wanted a female instructor that could also serve as a role model and mentor for female Sapper students.
Sanchez accepted the position, becoming the first female Sapper instructor in the school's history.
"Some said I wouldn’t make it or accomplish what I was setting out to do," she said, explaining that as a female soldier in a male-dominated combat MOS that she has received both support and skepticism over the years. "That’s what motivated me the most."
"She was mature for her years of experience and had a positive attitude and outlook," said Command Sergeant Major John Brennan, who oversees the course. "She understood the significance of what we were asking her to do and that, in being the first, she would be a model for others."
Sanchez says she has her sights set on Pathfinder and Ranger School next.
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