Women's History Month: What It Means to Me

Photo By Alexandria Brimage-Gray | Sgt. Josie Carlson, an Combat Documentation/Production Specialist, 982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne), East Point, Ga., poses for a photo, as part of the United States Army Reserve Command Women’s History Month campaign. The month of March is nationally observed as Women's History Month and recognizes the struggles and achievements of women throughout the history of the United States. (Photo by Alexandria Brimage-Gray/United States Army Reserve Command/Released)  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

03.16.2018

Story by Alexandria Brimage-Gray 

U.S. Army Reserve Command

“She joined the Army late and she does not follow convention,” said Carlson. “She set an example, which let me know that I don’t have to follow conventional standards. She is kind and giving, that has always been a big influence in my life.”
The other influential woman and unconventional role model in Carlson’s life was her dad’s mother.
“My grandmother went back to college when she was in her 60’s to get her bachelor’s degree and she traveled a lot when she was older,” Carlson said. “She kind of set the example that you can decide what you want to do with your life, you can choose your own path and decide what your future looks like rather than letting someone else determine that for you.”
Having served in the Army Reserve for the last seven and a half years, Carlson states that in her military career there was not just one noncommissioned officer (NCO) that has influenced her, but many.
“I have been fortunate in every unit to have some female NCOs who really care about their Soldiers,” she said. “They have showed me that if you work hard, are a good Solider and are willing to put your all in your career, there are opportunities in the military and you can set yourself apart by exceeding the expectations.”
Carlson believes that there is a misconception in general, that women can’t do something because they are a woman or that they require special exceptions or accommodations.
To women who find themselves in this situation, she gives this advice.
“I think that any mission or job that we start out on, if we go into it trying to exceed the expectation,” she said. “We don’t need to argue or explain our qualifications, it will show in our work. Show up ready to work, carry our own weight. Then your work ethic will speak for itself.”

• Date Taken: 03.16.2018
• Date Posted: 03.29.2018 09:45
• Story ID: 270935
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US
• Hometown: TULSA, OK, US