Houstonian expected to be 3rd woman to graduate from Ranger School

Months after opening its doors to women, the Army’s rigorous Ranger School has graduated its third woman, Maj. The West Point Class of 2000 alumna also earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 2004, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Since the announcement of her graduation, she has been widely praised for not just completing the course but for doing so at the age of 37. Under a 2013 directive from then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, the military services must open all combat jobs to women by next year or explain why any must stay closed. She spent her first four years with the 92nd Engineer Battalion and spent her time in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a frequent participant in CrossFit training exercises and has competed in weightlifting competitions.

A third woman has made history by completing the Army’s prestigious Ranger School course. “The right way includes being professional, thick skinned, and ensuring that we minimize any special treatment”.

It could be due to a mixture of physical strength and mental preparedness, says fitness expert and certified trainer John Rowley, director of wellness for the global Sports Sciences Association and author of The Power of Positive Fitness. I am mentally tough. “I volunteered because I want to make sure the standards do remain high and that the women coming out at the far end of Ranger School will be respected for their accomplishments rather than being judged for making things easier”.

“The Army Reserve couldn’t be more proud of this outstanding Soldier, and I know Shell Corporation, her civilian employer we share her with, is equally proud to have her in their organization”, said Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command.

“We are very proud of Lisa and her ability to achieve such an extremely demanding goal”, Hofland said. “My kids are actively involved in my training, either as added weight for rucks or chin-ups or bike rides”.

Griest and Haver completed Ranger School after three tries at the Darby Phase and one attempt each at the other phases. “Recycling each phase is uncommon”.

It is not unprecedented for students to go through the famously grueling course several times, officials said when Army Times asked about the ongoing social-media debate about upholding the school’s standards. During the course, students learn how to operate in three different environments: woodlands in Fort Benning, mountainous terrain in Dahlonega, Georgia, and coastal swamp in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.