THE FIRST ACTIVE-DUTY FEMALE SNIPER WELCOMED BY US ARMY
History records broke recently with the first female sniper accepted into the U.S. Army. Army Sgt. Maciel Hay graduated sniper school in November 2023, notoriously known for its difficulty. Her journey shines light on the changing narrative of those who deploy in the military and the empowerment of women in the US Army. Read on to find out more about Army Sgt. Maciel Hay, the first active-duty female sniper. Suggested read: How That Weird Mr. Rogers Sniper Myth Began
Who Is Army Sgt. Maciel Hay?
As the first active-duty female sniper, Hay explained to various sources that she grew up shooting rifles and handguns on family ranches in California and Oregon.Interestingly, she had the nickname “sniper” because of how easily she could spot objects and precisely shoot. A foreshadowing of the historical breakthrough she would later make. Moreover, what ignited her desire to attend sniper school was a friend that told her she couldn’t do it while attending college in California. Well, she defied odds and proved them wrong.While in the Army, her shooting abilities caught the attention of Army leadership. It was actually a drill sergeant who encouraged her to attend sniper school. The rest is fate.
The Changing Landscape: Female Snipers
Sniper school has a rigorous selection process, with some saying the hardest entry process in the entire military. Thus, the school pushes individuals to become the best. Rifles are the student's weapon, which they have to tactically hide.The snipers in the course face notable physical and mental challenges, such as having to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test and score exceptionally well on their Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.Moreover, Hayes' mastery of the military sniper rifle is commendable due to her progression from a sharpshooter to expert in basic training alone.Related read: Top 15 Best Sniper Movies To Binge All Year Long
The Influence of the Russian Female Sniper
Female Russian sniper, Lyudmila Pavlichenko became the most successful female sniper in history. As a Russian female sniper, all odds were against her in 1941 when she voluntarily enlisted in the military when Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union.Born in what is now known as Ukraine, Pavlichenko was consistently discouraged from pursuing her goal as a sniper. However, her abilities proved otherwise with 309 kills at age 25. Her nickname, as opposed to Hay’s, is the “deadliest female sniper” in history.
Challenges and Triumphs: Her Journey to Success
Hay attributes her success to her community, which enabled her to achieve this title. As a requirement for sniper school, Hay had to create a ghillie suit - a camouflage clothing worn by the Soldiers. The process was long and required the hands of many. Not only this, but the sniper female pioneer was also tasked with concealment and intelligence gathering tests. Hay recounts that this was the most difficult part for her. However, she elaborated that her instructors were passionate about helping her and the others succeed.
What’s Next for Female Sniper Sgt. Maciel Hay?
The female sniper’s handling of the latest military sniper rifle underscores the importance of female empowerment and the changing landscape in the military. The evolving dynamics of the sniper military operations has led Hay to Anchorage, Alaska with the 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry Regiment. Her ambitions don’t stop there, as Hay wants to eventually become a jumpmaster. In sum, Army Sgt. Maciel Hay becoming the first active-duty female sniper demonstrates not only her proficiency with the latest U.S. military sniper rifle, but her dedication.Read next: China Military Upset After US Ship ‘Illegally’ Enters China Sea