FEW congratulates Captain Kristen Griest and 1st Lieutenant Shaye Haver for being the first female graduates of the legendary Army’s Ranger School. These two women will receive a certificate of completion and be awarded and authorized to wear the revered Ranger Tab.

Captain Kristen Griest and 1st Lieutenant Shaye Haver were part of a test group of 19 women soldiers who passed a rigorous screening process to begin the course, which had never been open to women since it started more than 60 years ago. The training class started in April with 381 men and 19 women, but ended its 62-day run with only 94 men and two women. Their graduation marks a major milestone in the military’s efforts to examine how to integrate women into positions in which they have not yet been allowed to serve. Their graduation is a significant milestone in the move toward allowing women into direct combat roles. Nonetheless, neither woman will be allowed to serve as an infantry or tank officer, or even try out for the 75th Ranger Regiment, the Army’s premier light-infantry unit.

Not only are the two officers accomplished athletes and West Point graduates; Captain Kristen Griest has served as a military police platoon leader and First Lt. Shaye Haver, was a pilot on an Apache attack helicopter in an aviation brigade. These two women are demonstration of what courage, fortitude, and strength looks like.

Thank you for your service.