Marine Sgt. Jeanette Ventura, left, receives instruction from Sgt. Sean Bernstein on handling techniques for the M45 1911 A1 pistol on July 1, 2015, during a female engagement team class aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Cpl. Elize McKelvey/Marine Corps
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Angela Pollard, a medic attached to Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team, secures a bridge on Sept. 7, 2011, in Mehtar Lam, Laghman province. U.S. Department of Defense
Sgt. Julie Nicholson, Female Engagement Team leader, Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, shakes hands with an Afghan child during a mission in 2012 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Marine Corps
Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Karen McMillan participates in small arms weapons training with members of the Australian Northern Territory Tactical Response Group om July 19, 2011, during exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. MC1 Jennifer A. Villalovos/Navy
