CHIEF MASTER SGT. TIFFANY ZALOUDEK IS A SERE EXPERT DESTROYING EXPECTATIONS
Becoming a survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) specialist isn’t for everyone. Most classes only retain 50% of their students and for the most part, participants are men. However, Tiffany Zaloudek didn’t care about that in 2007 when she went on to pass the class—the first woman in eight years to graduate from the class. Now, she continues to destroy stereotypes and preconceived notions achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Most importantly, yes, it’s important to highlight that she’s doing so while representing her gender; however, gender be damned—Zaloudek is simply an expert in her field.
Who Is Tiffany Zaloudek?
Tiffany Zaloudek is a SERE Specialist in the U.S. Air Force (USAF), joining a field that is known for being male-dominated, even for an already male-centric military.
Her obtaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant makes Zaloudek the first woman to reach the highest enlisted rank as a SERE Specialist in the USAF.
This feat is a testament to the work and dedication Zaloudek has made a trademark of her career, particularly, after finding no women signing up for the SERE class when she joined.
Her 17-year career has led to the highest rank available. Today. Chief Master Sgt. Zaloudek is serving as a Deputy SERE Career Field Program Manager at Joint Base San Antonio.
Overcoming Stereotypes (And Owning a Pet Rabbit)
The stereotypes surrounding Tiffany Zaloudek attempting to become a SERE Specialist are sadly something to be expected. A woman with a bleach-blonde pony and acrylic nails doesn’t scream survivalist at first glance.
But looks can be deceiving and if there’s one thing for sure, Zaloudek would prove that her SERE skills can hack it with anyone.
However, there was another obstacle facing Zaloudek—her pet rabbit. This is because survival demands action without hesitation. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to get your hands dirty, kill Peter Cottontail, skin him, and prepare him for dinner.
When Zaloudeck began her journey, her recruiter didn’t know if she’d make it because of her gender or the pet either.
“He told me that he only knew of one woman to ever graduate SERE Specialist Training and that I didn’t look like the type who would do this job because I was so feminine. Well, that and because I had previously owned a pet rabbit. I understood SERE was a demanding career path, but I felt I was ready for the challenge,” said Zaloudek.
The challenge was there for the taking and Zaloudek continues to prove that she has more than enough to conquer it—including the field demonstration she would provide eight years after joining on how to properly skin and prepare a rabbit.
Tiffany Zaloudek: SERE Expert and So Much More
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, Tiffany Zaloudek was into the outdoors. Though she will admit her camping trips didn’t go as intensely as SERE treks do, the experience would lay the groundwork to spark an interest in her career.
Just qualifying is grueling, and once you’re in the school, prepare for an escalating scale of physical challenges, learning survival skills, and eating bugs. Seriously, you’ll be eating insects to survive while navigating terrain and building a shelter.
The six-month program prepares Airmen to survive on a diverse amount of landscapes including thick jungles, frigid Arctic conditions, and arid deserts.
Doing any of these things is more than enough to prove your grit; however, Zaloudek was determined to prove that she was worthy not because she was a woman but rather on her own merit.
She graduated as one of the top students in her class.
Working as a field instructor, Zaloudek would still face stereotypes, perceived as weak because of her personality and looks.
Nicknamed by some as Combat Barbie, she decided to change her demeanor, a sentiment many women have reported doing in male-dominated fields to be taken more seriously.
“At first, it felt almost natural to downplay parts of myself as a protective shield, especially when society has such firm ideas on how successful women should look and act,” said Zaloudek.
However, you can’t hide hard work, and combined with her dedication, Zaloudek built a reputation the world would be forced to recognize.
“To all the women out there, please know that strength and femininity go hand-in-hand. You don’t have to act or look a particular way to do well in a career dominated by men. I personally like wearing makeup and doing my hair. That doesn’t make me less of a SERE Specialist. And for those who prefer not to wear makeup or do their hair, that doesn’t make them any less of a woman,” said Zaloudek.
The fact of the matter is the military and society still have a long way to go in accepting people beyond our preconceived notions about who they might be.
During Paris 2024, social media star and USA rugby hero Ilona Maher brought similar issues to light showcasing how women can be strong and feminine without sacrificing either.
Chief Master Sgt. Tiffany Zaloudek continues to push boundaries while leading with exceptional merit. The expert SERE Specialist is currently working on a project for Congress to help integrate more women into career fields for specialized warfare.
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