Center for a New American Security

A Woman? No Way!
Author(s): Asha Castleberry
Center for a New American Security (2018)
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12/11/2020 A Woman? No Way! | Center for a New American Security (en-US)

APRIL 19, 2018

A Woman? No Way!
By Asha Castleberry

W
ho would have known that my commissioning in the U.S. Army would lead me to such an unthinkable assignment? I arrived in the Middle East as a country engagement officer. Although
my rank was captain, I soon realized I was expected to perform on a higher level and act as one of the top advisors for a three-star command. Despite this unanticipated pressure,
acclimating to the position was seamless, and I felt competent doing the work. But being the only female on the team was a frequent concern.

Before this assignment, I had preconceived notions that women were unable to succeed in an all-male environment in the Middle East, and, worse, that it was a mistake to give an assignment
of this caliber to a woman. Although my team considered me integral and valued my contributions, the perception of me outside the mission was markedly different. My tasks ranged from engaging
in U.S. Central Command exercises to advising Iraqi Security Forces during their Tikrit liberation against ISIS to attending high-level covert meetings with U.S. ambassadors. I originally believed a
woman like me – still fairly young and a woman of color – would be incapable of building long-term relationships with high-level Arab male security forces. In the end, though, it was evident to all –
perhaps most importantly to me – that women could make a difference in the operational theater environment and that their roles in and contributions to U.S. national security should be more
recognized.

In the end, though, it was evident to all – perhaps most importantly to me – that women could make a difference in
the operational theater environment and that their roles in and contributions to U.S. national security should be more
recognized.

Still, it was a struggle to maintain my own identity in these surroundings. There were inevitable clashes between taking on this role in a male cohort environment and the desire to maintain my
femininity. Sitting in a room with three-star generals, a U.S. ambassador, and the head of the Iraq Minister of Defence should have felt prestigious. But after repeatedly attending these engagements,
I felt like an oddball – where were the other women? And how did I fit into this dynamic? I had to wear Army apparel the majority of the time, which definitely diminished my feminine side. The
absence of my pearls around my neck and wrist, the clicking of my heels on the ground, and the taste of the candy-flavored lipstick shaped not only my appearance but my sense of self. With no
female bathrooms or other accommodations for women, the sense that women were out of place could not have been more prominent. But I found solace in confiding with my female peer officers
about the discomfort and inelegance I was experiencing. These dialogues helped me to stay in touch in my feminine side – and to value what I brought to the table.

When reflecting on my time in the Middle East, I wonder, “Why did you doubt yourself ? You were qualified to do the job. You just spent time working with the State Department participating
in high diplomacy meetings at the U.N. Security Council, sitting behind former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan E. Rice.” Although I had been struck by Ambassador Rice’s tenacity, eloquence, and
leadership regarding U.N. peacekeeping missions, particularly in South Sudan, doubts still dominated my mind: “I could never be the ambassador.”

Women Of Color: Evaluated Differently?

Before my deployment to the Middle East I was tested in a similar environment during a U.S. Southern Command peacekeeping exercise in Nicaragua. I was tasked to address an audience of
more than 400 male service members regarding the importance of female peacekeepers. I remained composed and thought I delivered, but I felt like I was from Venus and they were from Mars. I felt
my instincts were substantiated when I later learned that a significant number of men thought my message was laughable because I was a woman encouraging female empowerment.

Regardless of my own sense of competence, I was all too aware that women of color have to deal with realistic setbacks, mainly the lack of sponsorship. Without this support, our aptitudes are
overshadowed, and doubt continues to resurface. Underrepresentation in the U.S. armed forces creates many challenges for all women. Statistically, women of color represent a small percentage of
the U.S. Army Officer Corps, and prospering in a male dominant environment is arduous.1 These realities are a constant reminder of why I feel like an anomaly in a world I nonetheless have
embraced and succeeded in for 11 years.

In the 21st century, institutional bias still exists against women in the U.S. armed forces. But I believe the misperceptions are worse for women of color. In my experience, and that of too many
peers, women of color suffer from ongoing stereotypes and underestimation. Low expectations are engendered from a constantly myopic view of our talents and abilities. Too often, we are looked
upon as low-tier professionals in the national security community.

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12/11/2020 A Woman? No Way! | Center for a New American Security (en-US)

I felt I had to constantly prove myself. In the Middle East, I attended multiple conferences and meetings involving military operations, and
I routinely was the only woman, or among only a few women, in the room. When I raised my hand to make
a comment or present information, some responses were direct: “Wow . . . Who are you?” I felt I had to
constantly prove myself. These comments frequently came from individuals who never guessed my role in
the mission, or that my attendance at these high-level sessions was necessary because of my profound
understanding of the culture and geopolitical issues. Little did they know that my work set much of the tone and the agenda: I also prepared all of the critical talking points for the meetings and
accompanied the general officers, U.S. ambassadors, and the Chief of Defense at the Ministry of Defense. As much of my work was behind the scenes, I occasionally experienced blatant disregard by
colleagues in the room and was referred to as “the note-taker.” Fortunately, I was only infrequently asked to go get coffee. On one memorable occasion, I startled everyone in the meeting when I
spoke Arabic for the first time. Then, and in many other instances, the only woman in the room made an indelible impression.

I am optimistic that small instances such as these and longer experiences of positive performance will make an impact and that there is hope that the military will continue to tackle
stereotypical gender barriers. Already, the first female service member has graduated from Ranger School and the first African-American female has become the First Captain at West Point. 2 As more
women persist in breaking down these glass ceilings, the stereotypes undoubtedly will start to disintegrate.

Unknown Assets In Defense And Diplomacy Abroad

Despite the challenges, my experiences opened my eyes to how women can make a difference in a deployed environment. Unfortunately, this contribution is not edified in U.S. school systems,
rarely highlighted in the media, nor discussed in military training. Despite the absence of a narrative, the Department of Defense has pursued several initiatives that capitalize on women’s leadership
in a forward theater environment. For example, the Pentagon created Female Engagement and Reconstruction Teams to support missions in combat zones, which have had a game-changing impact.
The reality is that women are not just a special need. One hidden truth of the national security world is that women are likely to be a greater asset than men in some roles in a deployed environment.
The United States needs more women – particularly more diverse women – involved in national security representing our country overseas. President Barack Obama and his national security team
recognized this gap and launched the 2016 U.S. Presidential Memorandum on Promoting Diversity & Inclusion in the National Security Workforce.3

The United States needs more women – I’ve seen firsthand the effects of a lack of a diversified defense community. When I served as a
particularly more diverse women – involved in frontliner in the Middle East region, this lack of diversity in background and experience was devastating
national security representing our country and counterproductive for U.S. national security. When ISIS broke into the CENTCOM account in January
overseas. 2015, I knew the cyberattack could have been prevented if the relevant U.S. personnel had known Arabic.

I have shared my experiences with many fellow Americans. Most I have spoken with were shocked
because they had a hard time visualizing women playing a positive role in U.S. military engagements and
counterinsurgency, which is unfortunate because there is ample evidence suggesting women are making a difference in this field.4 As a deployed soldier, I discovered that while engaging with U.S.
foreign counterparts, women often had advantages over their male counterparts in a theater environment; in many cases, the women were able get more things done because of their unique
capabilities and access. For example, they were able to gather more information than men. This was a game-changing revelation for me and colored how I saw my own performance and competency
as well as that of female peers deployed abroad. I did a better job establishing a rapport with the local population, gained more access to key high-level officials, and gathered more valuable
information.

In my experience, women tend to be better listeners. Oftentimes, I was a better negotiator because I maintained strong listening skills and did not allow the American exceptionalism posture
to shape my behavior. During the Tikrit liberation against ISIS, I had the opportunity to provide advice and assistance to my Iraqi counterpart. He divulged that he was under stress because of a
family crisis. Instead of disregarding his quandaries, I spent time listening to him, and he repaid that consideration not only by giving me serious attention, but a small accolade.

As a deployed soldier, I discovered that while engaging with U.S. foreign counterparts, women often had advantages
over their male counterparts in a theater environment; in many cases, the women were able get more things done
because of their unique capabilities and access.

Over time, I noticed that in many circumstances our foreign counterparts tended to be more comfortable and trusting with female soldiers. Although this difference was not widely recognized,
it was an astounding advantage for me while participating in the planning process for Eagle Resolve, a CENTCOM joint exercise. Most of my counterparts, who were from the Gulf Cooperation
Council states, Egypt, and Jordan, displayed more respect toward me because of the strong relationship that my unit developed with our Gulf State allies.

Still, there remain disadvantages to being a woman in this environment. In my experience, women in the national security field who obtain stellar achievements under high visibility experience
unnecessary negative feedback or little encouragement. Instead of praising their success, their male colleagues find fault in their work. I recall a female diplomat sharing that she had experienced
this during her earlier years as an officer. I’m still uncertain about whether this is an unavoidable reality in life and how to deal with it, but her comments stuck with me.

Women also are not always encouraged to master the skills necessary to succeed in this field. For example, in the world of security cooperation, it is paramount to understand the importance
of foreign military sales and associated technologies. These sales are a key ingredient in U.S. efforts with partner militaries. I have many female colleagues who have struggled to articulate concepts
of military technology and are not pushed by mentors to educate themselves. In general, men tend to be more confident in military technology, in particular understanding of drones (MQs). I was
lucky: I pushed myself to gain exceptional comprehension of the evolution of military technology and its effectiveness in a theater environment, gaining a competitive edge over my peers. In the 21st
century, having proficiency in military technology is an advantage in the national security field and increases opportunities for women.

More Women Should Be Present At All Levels (Strategic, Operational, Tactical)

For real impact in the national security world, more women should be present at all levels of decision making and policy implementation. The U.S. government sent an important message
during the Obama administration with its policy on diversity, but overall should do a better job manifesting this demand. Currently, it appears that international organizations, like the United
Nations, seem to be more aggressive than the United States in promoting women’s leadership. Since the introduction of Resolution 1325 in 2000, the U.N. Security Council has prioritized women,
peace, and security issues.5 Despite slow progress, the U.N. continues to take the lead in promoting awareness about the impact of female leadership in post-conflict areas.

It is important for women to be present at all levels of decision making, particularly in a deployed environment, for a number of reasons. Women and children tend to make up more than the
majority of a local population in a combat zone; deployed women can have better communication with local populations, and stronger institutions would be established by integrating more women
in their local military and law enforcement. The presence of women in the chain of command also is critical. This is particularly important for the counterterrorism threat – women are increasingly
joining the terrorist ranks, presenting both potential threats and opportunities for U.S. policy and programs.

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12/11/2020 A Woman? No Way! | Center for a New American Security (en-US)

It appears that international organizations, like
the United Nations, seem to be more aggressive
than the United States in promoting women’s
leadership.
In Washington and in U.S. embassies around the world, women are critical players promoting
gender-based policy. Working at the State Department, I admired how the Obama administration elevated
women, peace, and security issues. I was very gratified to witness the overwhelming support for U.N.
Resolution 1325 regarding those issues. But this couldn’t have occurred without the encouragement of top
female leaders such as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Ambassador Susan E. Rice, Ambassador Rosemary
DiCarlo, and Ambassador Samantha Powers. They were all locked in step with advocating these issues
because of who they were and their leadership roles in the government.

Female representation in all uniformed ranks – including combatant, brigade combat team, battalion, and company commanders – also is vital for American leadership. Currently, there is only
one female combatant commander, and she is in charge of USNORTHCOM – a wonderful example, but one that has to be followed with many more to create both precedents and role models.6 A
retired field grade officer once told me that the Pentagon would never appoint a woman as CENTCOM commander and that the region will not take the leadership seriously if women are in
CENTCOM combatant commander positions. Military leadership roles have evolved – women can serve in combat now – and I believe that women are perfectly competent to engage with top leaders
such as prime ministers, Ministers of Defense, and component commanders. There is no reason for combatant commands to be off limits.

Female representation in all uniformed ranks – including combatant, brigade combat team, battalion, and company
commanders – also is vital for American leadership.

I’m confident that if the United States encouraged more female representation in uniformed leadership roles, other countries would be inspired to do the same. Most armed forces in the
Middle East have little to no representation of women in the military, but there are still some good trends. While working on Operation Inherent Resolve (the counter-ISIS mission), I was impressed
when I observed a female captain pilot from the United Arab Emirates supporting air strikes in Syria, and female Peshmerga soldiers fighting in Sinjar against ISIS. The growing number of females
joining the Jordanian Armed Forces – the most progressive military in the Arab world in my experience – was equally impressive. Despite economic constraints, the government of Jordan is investing
many resources in recruiting and retaining female soldiers.7 Most of the female soldiers serve in the medical corps. However, many have served in hostile environments like Afghanistan and in U.N.
peacekeeping missions.

Sponsorship Is A Must
As previously mentioned, sponsorship is critical in getting more women out of the shadows and into leadership roles; however, a few critical elements are necessary to support them. Most
important: When a female is assigned to a higher-level position in government, it is imperative that she be provided a sponsor. A sponsor will ensure recognition for her work, access for her key
tasks, and resources for her education. During my assignment in the Middle East, I was sponsored by several general officers. Without their support, I would have had many more challenges.

One of my sponsors was Major General Dana Pittard, U.S. Army (Ret.), who was the premiere general officer to command the anti-ISIS mission in Iraq.8 General Pittard provided me a wealth
of knowledge and helped spearhead my role into a key advisory position in the command. With his support I became an integral part of a high-level process and my talents were quickly recognized by
the State Department. The position also afforded me the opportunity to sharpen my Arabic skills, enabling me to more effectively communicate with our allies. One of my favorite memories is of a
moment during a high-level meeting with our partners. I started speaking Arabic, and General Pittard was astonished and applauded me for my efforts. The U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Douglas
Silliman, also was quite impressed and encouraged me to continue perfecting my craft.

A Woman Affirmative, In Every Sense of The Way

My overseas experiences were incredible but would be characterized as unthinkable to many Americans. Many would not think of women of color engaging in the kind of work I performed in
the Middle East. My experience and my success have no place in their imagination. At first, it didn’t even have a place in my own.

However, some people do not believe that challenges that exist for women of color in national security because they are so quick to reference the advancement of former Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice, and U.S. Ambassador to Nuclear Threat Reduction Bonnie Jenkins.

When a female is assigned to a higher-level
position in government, it is imperative that she
be provided a sponsor.
this sort of role is practically unthinkable to all too many.
I do not take it personally, because I realize that the average woman likely will never experience what
I did. But sometimes others’ perceptions impact my upward mobility in the national security sector. In my
experience, when someone requests a Middle East policy expert, women like me are not considered and are
a mere afterthought. I particularly struggle with this in my civilian life, where my time in uniform isn’t
obvious. Many civilians disregard the fact that I once was a foreign affairs command advisor to General
Vincent K. Brooks, who is now the Joint Commander for United States Forces Korea. A woman of color in

To fight that instinct, I am making it my personal duty to educate women so that they can make a difference in national security. Despite the fact that it is a male-dominated sector, our country
should continue to recruit women into all of our smart foreign policy roles: defense, diplomacy, and development.

More broadly, my theater experiences constantly encourage me to educate our society about the potential and impact of women leadership in national security. I spend time in academia,
speaking at conferences, and as a television commentator about national security. The opportunity to speak to the American people about my experiences and what I bring to the table has been very
gratifying. Our country does a disservice to women by not recognizing their involvement in national security. It will have a rippling effect on the next generation if women continue not to be
acknowledged in the national security profession. My main objective is to have persistent influence on eradicating the perception of “a woman? No way!”

Endnotes

hC “Si Sh f S A i k i ” A il h // h /f k/ / / /6 f b h ili di h i d hi /f

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12/11/2020 A Woman? No Way! | Center for a New American Security (en-US)

Authors

Asha Castleberry

Asha Castleberry is a professor in Fordham University's Political Science Department and a fellow at Foreign Policy
Interrupted. She is also an adjunct fellow at American Secu...

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