Female Airmen continue to make history (Part 1)

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- The Vietnam conflict was still raging in the Pacific and Air Force security police were often the final defenders, protecting air fields from being overrun by Vietcong forces.

In 1971, four full years before the Vietnam conflict ended; the Air Force took a step never seen before in an all-male career field, it allowed females to serve as security police.

Since women had been serving in civilian police forces for several years, female Airmen were quickly integrated into the field, according to the 'USAF: Security Forces Timeline,' from Hahn Air Base, Germany.

Women quickly became a vital part of security forces. The first female dog handler came into service in 1973 and the first women entered the correction field in 1974.

Twenty-nine years later, a small-framed and unassuming Ashley Tyler reported to a recruiting station in her hometown Baton-Rouge, La. In May 2000, Tyler shipped off for basic military training and soon became a security forces Airman.

Now a staff sergeant, Tyler has been at RAF Mildenhall for a year and is assigned to the 100th Security Forces Squadron.

Once considering joining the Marine Corps, Tyler was swayed by her active duty Air Force cousin, and said she's happy to be a woman in today's Air Force.

To serve in the Marine military police, recruits must be at least 65 inches tall. Tyler is 5-feet, but said her size hasn't held her back from pursuing her interests in the Air Force.

"I wanted to get certified on the M2 (machine gun)," recalled Tyler. "Just the tripod is half my body weight, and the gun when assembled is more than 100 pounds - I weigh that soaking wet!"

The staff sergeant said she was given the opportunity go to school to get trained on the weapon and was the only female in the class.

Working in what could be considered primarily a male career field can be very challenging, Tyler said.

She said she feels female Airmen represent opportunity for onlookers.

When young children see a female security forces member at events in the community, they are often amazed, said Tyler.

"When I was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Ohio), I was a (bicycle) patrolman and was the only woman doing that," said Tyler. "When little kids saw me, sometimes they would (get so excited); they're fascinated and curious. You get to talking to them, and if it makes them even consider (doing the same) and think, 'yes, I can do that,' then that's great.

"Sometimes when people see you doing this job, they think it makes you masculine, but it definitely doesn't," Tyler said. "Outside of my uniform, I'm prissy and girly; I get mad when I break my nails!"

Tyler proved her mettle during a deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq, in 2006 to 2007. She said desk sergeants were needed as controllers, and when asked who was certified and wanted to go, she raised her hand.

"I wasn't actually certified at the time," said Tyler. "I was in training, but after explaining this to the person conducting the interviews, I told him, 'I promise you, if you hire me, you won't regret it.'"

She was picked for the job and put on mid-shift. On her first day, the base suffered airborne indirect fire attacks, which she handled with grace, she recalled.

Thwarting attacks wasn't Tyler's only obstacle.

As a controller, Tyler directed patrols to conduct sweeps and ensure areas were clear of unexploded ordnance. When convoys were attacked or hit with improvised explosive devices, she had to coordinate medical evacuation requests.

One particular day, an allied plane was shot down and Tyler said she suffered emotionally but continued to coordinate the movement of coalition forces to go out and recover casualties and clean up the area.

"It made me a better person and a better desk sergeant, and I appreciated being given the opportunity to do it," Tyler said. "I held my own, and the officer-in-charge wrote a letter commending my leadership capabilities. At the time, I was a senior airman working with (technical sergeants) and above, and was able to take command and control, and delegate, regardless of what rank others were. I was able to do my job, and I felt I was professional about it at all times."

Her flight chief had nothing but the highest praise for the young Airman.

"Staff Sergeant Ashley Tyler has been an outstanding NCO," said Master Sgt. Tisha Bate, 100th SFS flight chief. "She's always involved in the progress of her troops, and is the first to epitomize our core values - Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do.

"I know I can always rely on Sergeant Tyler for anything," said Bate. "It takes a strong personality to work in the security forces career field as a woman, and I'm proud to have her serving with me."

Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part series for National Women's History Month featuring women in unconventional careers which, years ago, were predominantly 'jobs for men.'

(Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace contributed to this article)