EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – In honor of Women’s Equality Day on Aug. 26. 2023, the 96th Test Wing is spotlighting five women Airmen working in predominantly male career fields. These five women represent firefighters, security forces, and explosive ordnance disposal.
THE FIREFIGHTER
Rank, Name, Title:
Staff Sgt. Baylee Hancock
Hometown, State:
Warren, Pennsylvania
Why did you join the Air Force?
I have a long line of military family members. I have a twin brother who joined the Air Force who is stationed at McConnell AFB, Kansas. I am the first female in my family to join. I hold tremendous pride in the “US Air Force” name tape on the left side of my chest. The Air Force has so many things to offer, I chose to take advantage of opportunities such as college, career, and country.
What made you choose fire?
I saw the challenge and opportunity and decided I was going to challenge myself mentally, physically, and emotionally. As a firefighter, you are called to assist people on the potential worst days of their lives. If I can make an impact on one single person in this lifetime, I will feel that I have accomplished my goals.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite aspect of firefighting is the camaraderie and the relationships that are built between firemen. Living with your co-workers is a totally different environment than a typical 9-to-5 work center. You live half of your life with the people you work with, so they become a family away from home. I also love the people you meet along the way. There have been times where little kids have come up to me and remembered my face from responding to a call. The excitement and innocence on their face is what makes this job so rewarding.
Any comments or advice about being a woman in a male-dominated field?
There will always be individuals who try to question your abilities in a male-dominated field, but I have come to understand those are their own insecurities. The best advice I ever got was that I never had to “prove myself” to anyone. I went through the same technical training as all my male counterparts, and I deserved to be where I am. Work hard and let your work ethic speak for itself.
Any advice for young women/girls who are interested in fire and/or a male-dominated field?
I have never worked with another female firefighter until I PCS’d to Eglin. Even now, the few I work with I have never been at the same station with. Something I always put into perspective is to not let anyone treat you differently. Work hard, do not be afraid to get your hands dirty, and ask questions if you are unaware.
Even in your toughest days, keep your head up, walk with confidence, keep grinding, and never lose sight of your reason you chose this career or who you are. Give every opportunity or event your all, and even if you make a mistake, know that at the end of the day, you gave everything in you. Everyone on your team or shift has something to offer, this career field is not a one-man job.
We are a team. I know I will never be as strong as some of my male counterparts, but it is not because of lack of trying. When you leave the threshold of the station doors, you are human like everyone else. Be the person you are destined to be, and you will crush anything you set your mind to.
THE DOG HANDLER
Name, Rank, Title:
Staff Sgt. Alexis Schmitt, Military Working Dog handler
Hometown, State:
Chicago, Illinois
Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined the Air Force for the education and travel benefits, but to also create a stable foundation at a young age.
What made you choose being a dog handler in Security Forces?
I chose Security Forces so I could become a Military Working Dog Handler and have one of the most rewarding jobs in the Air Force with the best four-legged defender by my side.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is traveling to new cities and countries, with my dog by my side, in support of the Secret Service. Every mission we go on, I am constantly reminded that I entrust my life and those around me to my dog. The bond I have with my dog is like no other and is the most favored part of the job.
What’s the most challenging part of the job?
The most challenging part of the job is the constant reminder of the important impact that my job has on those I am protecting. If I have to truly do my job, it is a bad day for those around me. This job is very physically and mentally demanding but pushes us as handlers to not be afraid to go down a path alone and become comfortable being uncomfortable.
Any comments or advice about being a woman in a male-dominated field?
My advice is to become a master of your craft because knowledge is a power that no one can take from you. 9 times out of 10, I am the only female on a mission with my dog, so I automatically stand out from others. Being the ‘only’ in the room can feel discouraging and uncomfortable at times, but remember that you are an asset and someone who brings value to the table. Do not limit yourself to the expectations of others because of your gender. By staying true to your vision, you’ll achieve success on your own terms, regardless of the environment you find yourself in. Become a credible, indispensable, master of your craft.
Any advice for young women/girls who are interested in fire and/or a male-dominated field?
When it comes to your career, only you can decide what your limitations and expectations are. Security Forces, just like any other career field, is what you make of it. If you can figure out what your personal mission is and commit to diligently pursue that – it won’t matter what everybody else is doing. Stay true to your values and chart your own course in the career you choose. When you strive to make your dreams come true, especially if it’s unconventional, you will inevitably stand out among your peers. Always strive to be better than who you were yesterday and you’ll reap the benefits of success.
THE EOD TECHNICIANS
Rank, Name, Title:
Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Quasnitschka, IEDs Instructor
Hometown, State:
Fairbanks, Alaska
Why did you join the Air Force?
Like many of my fellow Airmen, I wanted a challenge!
What made you choose EOD?
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what EOD was before I joined. My father had served 20 years in the Air Force as a personnelist and when I decided to put on the uniform, I asked him what jobs he thought were the best fit for me. He replied, “I’d be happy with you in any of them, except EOD. Those people are crazy.” Two days later I walked into the recruiter’s office and demanded an EOD contract and I’ve never looked back. I found my crazy.
What is your favorite part of the job?
The family I’ve found. The community within EOD is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The men and women I work with are more than coworkers, they truly are my family. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I can trust them with my life.
What is the most challenging aspect of the job?
I’ve had a very blessed career with many wonderful leaders, but being a mother in such a demanding career field always presents challenges. Before I had my son, I was the first to volunteer for TDYs, itching for the opportunity for deployments, and not batting an eye at late nights, or physically and mentally exhausting training- throwing a 3 year old into the mix brings another layer of complications.
Any comments or advice about being a woman in a male-dominated field?
Simply, we’re not one of the guys. We are women in a career field that NEED women. We bring a different viewpoint and perspective to every shop we’re in, and although it’s tempting to act like one of the men, we don’t need to do that. We can hold our own.
Any advice for young women/girls who are interested in fire and/or a male-dominated field?
Do it! Take the leap, and you just might find exactly what you’re looking for.
Rank, Name, Title:
Master Sgt. Andrea R. Rasmussen, EOD Training Section Chief
Hometown, State:
Tucson, Arizona
Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined to travel the world, get out of my hometown, and do something with my life. The education benefits was a nice bonus.
What made you choose EOD?
I told the Air Force Liaison at MEPS I wanted to do a job that allowed me to be hands on and not sit at a desk all day, every day. EOD was on the list of 10 jobs he suggested so after talking with a local EOD tech I just knew I needed to put it at the top of my list.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job will always be getting to get my hands dirty and blowing something up, but second to that is being able to mentor and teach the younger techs coming in about the job and life in general.
What is the most challenging aspect of the job?
While it is physically and mentally demanding, the most challenging aspect of my job at this time is knowing which battles are worth picking while also standing my ground and ensuring my voice is heard. Everyone in the career field is opinionated and believes they are right, so getting heard through all those voices can often times be a struggle.
Any comments or advice about being a woman in a male-dominated field?
1) Being one of the guys is cool and fun, but don’t change who you are or what you believe to fit in.
2) Embrace the women around you and build each other up; these can be some of the best relationships if you allow them to flourish.
3) Know your boundaries and stick to them.
Any advice for young women/girls who are interested in EOD and/or a male-dominated field?
If you can accept that it is going to be hard, are willing to put in the work, and understand that you will more than likely need to work harder than your male peers, do it. It is not for everyone, but it will challenge you in ways you never could have imagined and you will learn so much about yourself along the way.
Rank, Name, Title:
Master Sgt. Giselle D. Irr, Flight Chief, 366th Training Squadron Detachment 3
Hometown, State:
Long Beach, California
Why did you join the Air Force?
I walked into a recruiting office one day out of mere curiosity and walked out with an ASVAB test date. Though an impulsive decision, it’s one of the best I’ve ever made.
What made you choose EOD?
I wanted a challenge, an adventure, and to serve. Removing dangerous ordnance from a battlefield to save lives met all my crazy life goals.
What is your favorite part of the job?
The people I work with! The ladies and gents I work with are some of the most inspiring, inventive, funniest, and courageous people on this planet. (I’m hoping saying nice things about them will save me some rounds of cheer).
What is the most challenging aspect of the job?
The most challenging aspect is the dynamic nature of war. The fight is always changing, and technological advances bring new challenges. We must grow and adapt, which isn’t always easy, but it does keep things interesting for EOD techs.
Any comments or advice about being a woman in a male-dominated field? See below.
Any advice for young women/girls who are interested in EOD and/or a male-dominated field?
Build a community for support and connection. Fix each other’s crowns! Work hard, stay focused and handle challenges with tact and a sense of humor. We are all rooting for you!
