Senior Katie Endresen plans to go into active duty in a military police unit after graduation. (Giovanna Solana | THE BEACON)
By Amanda Blas, Staff Writer blas13@up.edu
Senior Katie Endresen knows the challenges that come with being a female in the military. However, this year Endresen took a step towards overcoming them as UP's ROTC cadet battalion commander, the highest position a student can hold. Endresen is one of few women to hold the position in the program's history on campus.
"It has given me a tremendous opportunity to develop myself as a leader," Endresen said. "It's not an easy position, but it's very rewarding."
According to Maj. Gary Repp, Endresen was chosen as battalion commander for multiple reasons.
"She has been a great example of what we look for in a young leader in terms of motivation, leadership by example, disciple and being an overall performer," Repp said.
According to Lt. Col. Matthew Little, professor of military science, Endresen was chosen from among 35 other seniors.
"It's not as relevant whether [the battalion commander is] male or female, but it highlights just how good she is that she just happens to be female," Little said. "The bigger point is that she's a great leader and at the top of her class."
Endresen heads the entire Portland Battalion, which consists of 92 students from not only University of Portland, but from Eastern Oregon University, Portland State University and other colleges within the area. Endresen's job includes managing field training, labs and classroom training.
Being the cadet battalion commander involves a lot of peer leadership, which according to Endresen is one of the harder parts of her job.
"It's a difficult process to balance friendships within ROTC and to hold everyone, including your close friends, to the same standard," Endresen said. "I'm lucky in that I have a great supporting senior class and cadre that strive to work together."
While Endresen feels there are no problems with gender among the Portland Battalion, she said it's different in the military.
"In the real Army, there are physical boundaries to what jobs or opportunities a woman can have, especially when it comes to combat positions," she said.
Repp feels that Endresen "has the capability of breaking down these boundaries."
After graduation, Endresen will be go into the active duty Army as part of a military police unit. She also hopes to attend the Army's Ranger School, one of the most demanding leadership schools the Army offers.
The Army is currently considering allowing women to take part in Ranger School.
Repp has high hopes for Endresen's future in the Army, including Ranger School.
"I think she has the right attitude for it," Repp said. Endresen feels strongly about females' current position in the military.
"Right now, the door is closed and locked for females hoping to serve in combat arm branches and to attend Ranger School, putting a glass ceiling on women hoping to be a top military leader one day," Endresen said.
Endresen said she hopes that will change.
"I'm not saying we hold the door open and push women through them," Endresen said. "I would like for the military to do is to at least unlock the door and allow the women the equal opportunity to pursue their goals and dreams. The Army is headed in that direction."
