Part of the team

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
NEVADA TEST AND TRAINING RANGE, Nev. --  Although security forces is typically a male-dominated career field, there is one woman at the 822nd Base Defense Squadron who enjoys being one of the exceptions.

Airman 1st Class Meghan Hilton recently spent two weeks in the Nevada desert with the rest of the squadron participating in DESERT EAGLE, a joint exercise with British counterparts.

"When I first joined this squadron, it took some time for the guys to accept me," she said. "I'd say it took about six months to fully earn their respect and show them I am capable of the same things they are."

During DESERT EAGLE, Airman Hilton earned compliments for her abilities on the shooting range.

"The RAF Regiment doesn't allow for women to serve in combat roles," said Col. Joseph D'Amico, 822nd BDS commander. "However, I heard many good remarks from them about her high score during the shooting section of the competition."

Other parts of the competition included a seven-mile ruck march and a two-mile litter carry, during which teams transported litters loaded with about 150 pounds of sandbags.

"I've known I wanted to join the military and I've been shooting since I was 7 years old," said Airman Hilton, who is qualified expert on the Beretta M9. "Security forces appealed to me because I like the physical aspect of being a cop and I like the training we do. DESERT EAGLE was similar to training we've done in the past."

She is also qualified on the .50-caliber machine gun, Mark 19 grenade launcher and 203 mm grenade launcher. The exercise was in preparation for an upcoming deployment, which Airman Hilton is looking forward to since it's her first time deploying.

Even though she enjoys what she does now, she has different plans for her career.

"I'd like to get out, get a degree and become an Air Force Office of Special Investigations officer," said Airman Hilton. "Since I was young, I thought the secret type of career field would be fun, and it could lead to a career in the FBI or CIA."