History was made at Fort Hood.
Before Thursday, there has never been a female Cavalry Scout in the U.S. Army until Sergeant Kayci Landes’ name was called.
As a newly graduated Cavalry scout, not only was she breaking ground on a new responsibility in the Armed Forces but she was also breaking down barriers, and stepping into territory no woman has been before.
Sergeant Landes was the first woman in the nation’s history to graduate as a 19D Cavalry Scout, an accomplishment she said has dreamed of since she was a little girl.
“I’ve wanted to be in the armed forces since I was seven and I was never allowed to, so it’s nice to now be able to achieve my goals,” Landes said.
The Cavalry Scouts have been around since 1775 and a 241 year tradition that had been carried on by only men.
Sergeant Landes said she waited five years for this opportunity and it was only when the army announced in March they would allow women to serve in all Military occupation specialty roles that she realized her dream could become a reality.
Landes said she hopes her graduation will inspire other women to chase similar roles despite if they seem possible or not.
“You can’t think like that. You can follow your dreams,” she said “It’s not always going to be easy and you may have to wait your turn but you should always try.”
Her instructor, Sergeant Stephen Conwill said her drive is what led her to where she is today.
“She was very motivated throughout the course and eager to learn all the tasks that we put in front of her,” Conwill said.
Landes said she’s not focused on her historic achievement, rather she just wants to excel at her job.
“I’m going to learn my job to the best of my ability so I can lead my soldiers to the best of my ability as well,” she said.