On January 27, 2021

Vermont Cavalry Squadron cleared to recruit women, first in Army National Guard

The 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), a.k.a. “the Vermont Brigade,” is now authorized to recruit women.

This marks the first time in the National Guard’s 384 year history that a combat arms battalion sized unit can enlist women.

“I am incredibly proud of the soldiers and senior leaders of our squadron,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard. “This represents a significant milestone in making the Vermont National Guard an organization that provides opportunity for all. Their focus and hard work made this a reality.”

Since the Department of the Army opened combat roles to women in 2016, they could transfer but not enlist into combat units until specific conditions were met. Requirements included installing women into leadership roles throughout the squadron, completing gender integration training and demonstrating a healthy unit culture through an organizational climate survey.

“This was an extremely difficult process designed to ensure a unit was authorized to recruit women only after it demonstrated it was ready to do so,” said Col. Brey Hopkins, commander, 86th IBCT (MTN). “But despite the difficulty, we were committed to this. We are eager to integrate more women throughout the unit because it improves our readiness and capability.”

Women could not serve in occupational specialties designated as combat roles prior to 2016.

The Vermont Army National Guard continues to make progress toward seeking authorization to open all combat units for the enlistment of women as soon as possible.

For more information contact Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs; Capt. Mike Arcovitch, (802) 734-1677, or [email protected].

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but fewer chicks are surviving

July 2, 2025
By Izzy Wagner/VTDigger Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but scientists have noticed a recent decrease in the number of chicks surviving. In 2024, Vermont saw a record-breaking 123 nesting pairs, 11 of which landed at first-time nesting sites. Out of the 125 loon chicks that hatched in 2024, 65% survived through the…

Vermont State University graduates 414 nurses, boosting local health care workforce

July 2, 2025
Vermont State University (VTSU) has graduated 414 new nurses this year, marking a significant step forward in addressing the state’s ongoing health care workforce shortage. With approximately 92% of these graduates testing for licensure in Vermont and strong NCLEX pass rates, the university continues to deliver on its promise to educate and prepare nurses who…

VT Agency of Education announces summer food service program

July 2, 2025
The Agency of Education announced the availability of summer meal sites providing meals to all children, 18 and under, through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This program ensures that children across the state have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. Families are encouraged to access these meals to help support children’s growth, health,…

Sanders restores $17m for Vt schools canceled by Trump

July 2, 2025
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), ranking member of the Senate health, education, labor, and pensions (HELP) committee, June 27 announced that the U.S. Dept. of Education reversed its decision to cancel nearly $17 million in federal K-12 Covid-19 funding for Vermont school districts and some $2.5 billion for schools across the country. The administration’s announcement follows…