FORT CARSON, Colo. — Spc. Yudith Ledesma Macias, right, cannon crewmember, Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, receives her Basic Leader Course diploma from Command Sgt. Maj. Lowell D. Churchman, commandant, 168th Regiment Regional Training Institute, at McMahon Auditorium March 23, 2018. According to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Ledesma is the first female cannon crewmember to graduate BLC from Fort Carson and the third graduate across the Army at large. (Photo by Sgt. Anthony Bryant)
By Sgt. Anthony Bryant
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The first female cannon crewmember graduated the Fort Carson Basic Leader Course (BLC) at McMahon Auditorium March 23, 2018.
BLC is the first step in the NCO education system, which provides Soldiers with the basic tools to accomplish their duties as NCOs.
Spc. Yudith Ledesma Macias with Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, is the third female cannon crewmember to graduate BLC from across the Army, according to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
A native of the municipality of Yahualica, Jalisco, Mexico, Ledesma moved to the U.S. when she was 15 years old, eventually obtaining a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice before enlisting in 2016 as a specialist in the Army.
“My family is my inspiration,” said Ledesma. “Fight for what you believe in; fight for your dreams. Even though it’s not going to be easy, it takes dedication and sacrifice. Everything is possible, so don’t let other people’s perceptions define you.”
Ledesma applies these words to everything she does, which led her to choose a career in combat arms.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Spc. Yudith Ledesma Macias, cannon crewmember, Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, recites the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer alongside her classmates at McMahon Auditorium, March 23, 2018. (Photo by Sgt. Anthony Bryant)
“There still (exists) the stigma among the males that (females) don’t belong (in combat arms),” said Ledesma. “For example, one of my peers said that all females don’t work. I corrected him. Everything I have earned is because of my hard work.”
Since arriving at Fort Carson in 2016, Ledesma has had to prove herself in a field dominated by men. She credits her leadership for providing her equal opportunities in regard to training and advancement, irrespective of gender.
“I prove it with my (physical fitness),” said Ledesma. “I try to meet the same standard as the males to show them I’m not here to do the minimum.”
With more female cannon crewmembers arriving at her unit, Ledesma can provide the guidance and mentorship required of an NCO as she expects to be promoted to sergeant May 1.
“I’m in the business of growing leaders,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Lowell D. Churchman, BLC commandant, 168th Regiment Regional Training Institute. “I hope (Ledesma) walks away as a young leader of character … knowing that it’s her burden to take care of Soldiers.”
Churchman, a career infantryman, served in several leadership positions within combat arms formations without female subordinates.
“I felt like (today) was an important occasion,” said Churchman. “Auspicious, because of what (Ledesma) has accomplished.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Spc. Yudith Ledesma Macias, cannon crewmember with Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stands at attention as her name is called to receive her Basic Leader Course diploma at McMahon Auditorium March 23, 2018. (Photo by Sgt. Anthony Bryant)
According to Churchman, females joining combat arms was long overdue and he can see them proving themselves in their respective military occupational specialties, especially now as they begin to cycle through BLC.
“You’ll see more and more young women succeeding in combat arms,” he said. “They’ll become leaders knowing that Soldiers, their lives, Families and livelihoods all rest on their shoulders.”
Ledesma is expected to deploy as a leader with her battery in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel this spring.