Tags
  • Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
  • Department of Political Science
  • Department of Linguistics
Accolades & Honors

Pitt Alumna is First Female Infantry Officer in PA Army National Guard

Second Lt. Caileigh Carei (A&S ’17) has become the first female infantry officer in Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

In December, Carei graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in political science, with certificates in Latin American Studies and Global Studies, and a minor in linguistics. Upon graduation, she was commissioned into the Army. In July, she completed her infantry officer basic course and then conducted her pre-deployment training in the Mojave Desert in California. There, she commenced her assigned role as infantry platoon leader.

“We are very proud to have her on board. She is very squared away and we are sure that she is going to be a great leader in our ranks,” said Capt. Justin Shedron, Officer Strength Manager for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Western Region. “We are proud to be on the leading edge of the policy to integrate females into Combat Arms because it is the right thing to do and we are hopeful that her example will inspire other female cadets and Soldiers to accept the challenge to join the Infantry and serve their Commonwealth and Nation as well.”

In September, Carei returned home to Pennsylvania and is planning to pursue law school next year. She is currently undergoing intensive training to prepare for U.S. Army Ranger School, the Army’s most elite program.