High Ranking Women in the Arizona National Guard
Women in all professions fight for career ascension opportunities equal to their male counterparts, but especially in male-dominated fields like that of the military, a path to the top is significantly more demanding. High-ranking women in the Arizona National Guard like Army Command Sargent Major Pamela Higgins and Brigadier General Kerry Muehlenbeck represent a small minority of female soldiers that are able to climb the ladder to attain leadership positions.
Despite the increase of women and minorities in leadership positions in both corporate and government fields; and U.S. Government policies meant to combat inequality in the workplace, women continue to be underrepresented in management roles (Doll, 5-6). Because of the disparity between the percentage of women serving in the Army and the percentage of women leadership roles, it is reasonable to say that the women that do achieve this status demonstrate particular characteristics that make them stand out. Yvonne Doll's Doctorate Dissertation from the University of Phoenix titled "U.S. Army Women General Officers: A Phenomenological Study of their Career Ascension and Leadership" examines which leadership factors and competencies the participant officers believed enhanced their ability to be selected and serve in the highest senior leadership positions in the Army. Doll identifies these characteristics as "professional competency and doing a good job, interpersonal leadership and communication skills, being known by your good reputation, taking and doing well in the tough jobs, luck and/or good timing, not aspiring to make general officer, and mentoring" (Doll, Abstract).
Army Command Sergeant Major Pamela Higgins reflects on her opportunity to serve as the second woman in the Arizona National Guard's senior enlisted position in the U.S. Department of Defense news article "Face of Defense: Enlisted Leader Offers Insight, Motivation" by Army Sergeant Lauren Twigg. Here we see the CSM highlight some of the characteristics outlined by Doll as indicators for female success within the armed-forces when questioned about how to ascend the ranks. "The door is wide open for females in the military, so maintain your commitment, courage, and character in all that you do, continue to challenge yourselves and develop strong leadership skills. Apply and compete for positions of leadership, and you will have a very successful and rewarding career in the military" (Twigg).
Brigadier General Kerry Muehlenbeck also embodies the leadership characteristics outlined by Doll as indicators for female success within the United States military. The 2014 National Guard news article by Major Gabe Johnson titled "Arizona National Guard's First Female General 'An Incredible Mentor'" emphasizes that Muehlenbeck, the first woman in the Arizona National Guard to serve as a general officer, approaches her position humbly with goals to continue broadening her scope and contribution (Johnson). Being known for her stellar reputation and her emphasis on mentorship, the Brigadier General's leadership qualities are in line with those identified by Doll as sure signs of triumph in the field.