Photo By Staff Sgt. Jordan Sivayavirojna | Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rosemary Masters was promoted to the rank of chief warrant...... read more read more
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Rosemary Masters, a senior human resources officer for the Joint Staff and Major Subordinate Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard, never anticipated being a trailblazer after joining the National Guard in 1995. On Oct. 14, fellow Guard members (past and present), friends and family gathered to celebrate her promotion as the first woman to achieve the rank of chief warrant officer 5 in the Oklahoma Army National Guard.
Warrant officers are the Army’s premiere maintenance and logistic experts and advisors. Chief warrant officer 5’s are master-level tactical experts who serve in a tactical supervisory, advisory role. Masters is one of 22 female warrant officers out of 172 total warrant officers for the Oklahoma Army National Guard.
Masters’ many accolades date back as far as 1988, a time where less than 1,000 women in total represented the warrant officer population. Prior to her promotion this Sunday, Masters was the only Chief Warrant Officer 4 for the state of Oklahoma.
She began her military career in 1988 as a U.S. Marine, then enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
“I think it is important for females to see themselves as leaders and see other female leader,” said Masters. “I think the officer core has done a good job pushing females into set those type of goals. We need to continue to mentor those females; this [warrant officer] is an avenue and a choice for their career.”
In earlier years, the U.S. Army restricted female leaders to specific occupational specialties and unit designations. Despite the limitation of service options, Masters ultimately sought Warrant Officer School.
“I don’t think gender should be a limitation,” stated Masters. “I knew if I worked hard, met the standard or exceeded it, went to school, and did what I was supposed to do, I will progress.”
A native of Edmond, Oklahoma, Masters has always had an ambitious spirt. She obtained three military occupational specialties prior to becoming a warrant officer and with her husband, raised two children while completing her college degree.
“Mrs. Masters is very deserving of her promotions,” said Col. Clifton Barger, director of personnel for the Oklahoma Army National Guard. “She takes the time to resolve problem and she's a hallmark professional.”
Currently, she advises top leaders on all personnel administrative matters for approximately 6,600 Soldiers.
“To me it’s a tremendous responsibility, and now I feel this sense of urgency to really mentor others,” stated Masters. “There is a reason you’re old at this rank. It took us so many years to get here.”
Some of Masters’ awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (5th award), the Army Commendation Medal (4th award), the Air Force Commendation Medal.
“Sometimes you look at your job and say, ‘I can do that job. I know I can.’” said Masters. “And when it’s given to you, you feel the intense pressure to do it, and do it well.”
Her goal for the unit includes building a legacy centered around people. She encourages young Soldiers to create a mutually beneficial relationship with the OKARNG.
“Policy will continue to change and my name will fade away, but it’s the people that I want to remember me,” said Masters. “I’m invested in them and I will take time to encourage them and point them in the right direction.
“There’s so much knowledge I want to give to people, but there’s limited time,” she added. “I feel a responsibility to represent well and it’s an honor.”
| Date Taken: | 10.14.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 10.18.2018 12:02 |
| Story ID: | 296395 |
| Location: | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, US |
| Web Views: | 244 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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