Kristen Marie Griest: Pushing boundaries

• Griest took command of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment on April 7, 2017.
• We did not approach this experience with the mindset of having something to prove.
• In 2022, she earned a Master's degree in Socio-Organizational Psychology.

Major Kristen Griest hails from Orange, Connecticut. She graduated from the United States Military Academy (USMA) in 2011, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations. This academic foundation set the stage for her military career, focusing on global issues and diplomacy.

From 2012 to 2014, Kristen served as a Military Police Platoon Leader in the 101st Airborne Division, where she was responsible for leading a platoon in various operations, ensuring the safety and security of military personnel and facilities. Her leadership skills and tactical training were put to the test during her deployment to Afghanistan in 2013, where she faced the challenges of operating in a complex and hostile environment.

In 2014, she transitioned to the role of Assistant S3 (Operations Officer) in the 716th Military Police Battalion. This position required her to coordinate operations, manage resources, and work closely with other military units. Seeking further professional development, Kristen attended the Maneuver Captains Career Course (MCCC) in 2016, where she honed her skills in tactical planning and leadership.

After graduating from the MCCC, she made a significant career move by transferring to the Infantry Branch, which allowed her to further develop her combat leadership capabilities. She served as a Platoon Tactical Trainer at the 4th Ranger Training Battalion within the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade (ARTB). In this role, she was responsible for training and mentoring soldiers in advanced tactical manoeuvres, preparing them for the demands of combat operations.

From 2017 to 2018, Kristen took on the challenging position of commander of Bravo Company in the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the renowned 82nd Airborne Division. In this capacity, she led her company through rigorous training exercises and operations, emphasising the importance of teamwork and adaptability. Her leadership was critical during her second deployment to Afghanistan in 2019, where she served as a Team Leader in the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB). In this role, she focused on building relationships with local forces, providing them with the necessary training and guidance to enhance their operational capabilities.

Throughout her military career, Major Griest has demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and a commitment to fulfilling her mission, making significant contributions to each unit she has served. 

Early life and education

Griest attended Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, Connecticut, where she ran cross country and track.[6] She graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations. In 2022, she earned a Master's degree in Socio-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.

Military career

In 2011, Kristen Griest was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Military Police branch of the United States Army. This path was one of the limited options available for women at that time, and Griest chose it because she believed it would provide her with valuable experience that was closest to that of the infantry. Following her commissioning, she was assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, known as “Currahee,” within the prestigious 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). During her tenure from 2012 to 2014, she served diligently as a Military Police Platoon Leader, overseeing operational missions and leading her unit effectively.

In 2013, Griest deployed to Afghanistan, where she played a crucial role in leading over 100 missions outside the wire. These missions primarily focused on conducting convoy escorts and collaborating with the Afghan National Army during Operation Enduring Freedom. Her leadership and dedication to duty during this deployment ultimately earned her the Bronze Star Medal, a significant recognition of her outstanding service in a combat environment.

In January 2015, Griest received a significant invitation from the Army, which extended an opportunity for her to join a select cohort of 109 women to attend the rigorous Army Ranger School. This selection was made from an applicant pool of 400 women, underscoring the competitive nature of this program. Following a mandatory pre-Ranger School course designed to prepare candidates for the challenges ahead, the cohort was narrowed down to only 19 women who were permitted to begin Ranger School training.

On August 21, 2015, a historic milestone was reached when Kristen Griest and her classmate Shaye Haver became the first two women to earn Ranger tabs, signifying their successful completion of this elite training program. On the same day, Griest was promoted to the rank of Captain, marking another significant achievement in her military career.

In April 2016, Griest further distinguished herself by earning her blue Infantry cords upon graduating from the Maneuver Captains Career Course (MCCC). This accomplishment was particularly noteworthy as it allowed her to transition from her Military Police unit to a role as an infantry officer, making her the first female infantry officer in the history of the United States Army. She was subsequently assigned to the 4th Ranger Training Battalion of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade at Fort Benning, where she took on the responsibilities of a platoon tactical trainer. In this capacity, she became an instructor for the Darby Phase of Ranger School, imparting her knowledge and experience to the next generation of Ranger candidates.

In April 2017, Captain Griest took command of Bravo Company, 2-505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. As of now, she continues to serve in this pivotal position within the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the esteemed 82nd Airborne Division, leading her soldiers with integrity and valour.

Following her graduation from Ranger School, Shaye Haver expressed her sentiments regarding their acceptance into the elite ranks by stating, "It is quite remarkable that they have accepted [Griest and me]. We entered Ranger School with scepticism and guardedness, anticipating potential negativity. However, we did not approach this experience with the mindset of having something to prove. Integrating as a teammate—gaining trust just like everyone else, whether in patrol duties or carrying heavy equipment—meant that every achievement contributed to our standing within the team. Without a doubt, the team with which I am graduating accepts me fully as a Ranger, for which I am proud and humbled." Griest echoed a similar sentiment, stating, "My primary apprehension before Ranger School was whether I could carry the requisite weight or meet the established standards. I endeavoured to perform to the best of my ability, supported by my peers, demonstrating the importance of teamwork."

At that time, it was important to note that women were prohibited from serving in Ranger or Infantry roles due to the Pentagon's longstanding exclusion policies regarding women in combat. This policy, however, underwent a significant transformation on December 3, 2015, when Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced that the United States military would open all combat positions to women without exception, thus allowing female service members the opportunity to serve in previously restricted roles.

After she graduated from the Maneuver Captains Career Course (MCCC), Griest took command of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment on April 7, 2017. During her service, she was deployed to Afghanistan in 2019, where she continued to demonstrate her leadership capabilities in a challenging environment. As of April 2022, Griest was pursuing advanced education as a student at Columbia University, where she enrolled in a master’s degree program in Socio-Organizational Psychology. She has expressed intentions for a follow-on assignment as a West Point Tactical Officer, aiming to influence the next generation of military leaders. In recognition of her continued dedication and exceptional service, she achieved the rank of Major in May 2022.

Honours

In 2018, CPT Griest was inducted into the United States Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame.

Awards and decorations

Personal decorations

              Bronze Star Medal

Army Commendation Medal

              National Defense Service Medal

              Afghanistan Campaign Medal

              Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

              Army Service Ribbon

              NATO Medal for ex-Yugoslavia

Unit awards

Bronze oak leaf cluster

              Army Presidential Unit Citation with 1 Oak leaf cluster

              Valorous Unit Award

              Meritorious Unit Commendation with 2 Oak leaf clusters

Bronze oak leaf cluster

              Army Superior Unit Award with 1 Oak leaf cluster

Other accoutrements

              Expert Infantryman Badge

              Parachutist Badge

              Air Assault Badge

              Ranger Tab

              101st Airborne Division Combat Service Identification Badge

              505th Infantry Regiment distinctive unit insignia

              Gold German Military Proficiency Badge

              1 Overseas Service Bar