The Female Stryker

By Spc. Derron Dickinson
28th Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD - While Army infantry Soldiers are trained for conducting aggressive operations against hostile targets, they aren’t exactly known for their sensitive side. But with a small addition, this is starting to change.

In a culture where contact with women is forbidden unless you are closely related, searching civilians can be a challenge. Women Soldiers, attached to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, have played a vital role in recent operations for securing Baghdad by performing a task their male counterparts can’t - searching women.

“It’s actually fun,” said Sgt. Theresa Johnson, a logistics supply specialist from Fort Lewis, Wash., who volunteered as a female searcher. “It’s a lot more exciting than sitting at a desk all day. You actually get to go out and see the real Iraq.”

Amid all the controversy of talk about opening combat arms to women, side by side service doesn’t seem to be much of an issue in this unit.

“They look after us like sisters,” Johnson said.

Fellow woman searcher and logistics supply specialist Pfc. Manisha Holley said she agreed with Johnson’s assessment.

“They act like bodyguards when we step out,” Holley said.

Infantry Soldiers expressed appreciation for the new presence on patrols.

“Actually, they’re a big help to search the females, to make sure they’re not carrying any suicide vests or anything,” said Sgt. 1st Class William Gustwiller, a platoon sergeant with Co. A. “When Holley came out with us on patrols, she was a big help. She helped the women and children relax. You’ve got all these big scary guys coming in, and then there’s her. It was a more relaxed atmosphere.”