Joint Force Headquarters –
We would like your help in welcoming the Missouri Army National Guard’s first female infantry enlistee!
This is Spc. Tatyana Marquardt from Saint Louis, Mo. Marquardt has always been interested in fitness, teamwork and leading from the front in many areas of her life. It is fitting that she would be the first female infantry enlistee in the Missouri National Guard!
Marquardt understands the challenges that lie ahead and the pressure of being Missouri’s first female infantry Guard enlistment. “There is a lot of talk about being the first female infantry enlistment, I try not to think about any of that, I just focus on putting my best foot forward,” she said. I want a good challenge and I will face anything with a positive mindset.
Marquardt, who was adopted from Russia at an early age, has faced adversity in the past. She had to learn another language, culture and keep up with other students in school. Marquardt blew through many of these hurdles in life and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in education from Principia College, Ill. Shortly after graduation, she enlisted and fulfilled a lifelong dream to serve her country in the Missouri Army National Guard.
When asked what she would like to say to other potential female recruits in the infantry, she said, “Women can be just as tough as men in many ways. I do this because it is what I want to do, you need to do what you love and at the end of the day, we are all fighting for the same thing. We fight for this country and it doesn’t matter what your race or gender is, we all have the same mission.”
Marquardt will depart to One Station Unit Training or OSUT early next year. She will be running, rucking and attending the Recruit Sustainment Program or RSP drill events until then. Keep checking back for more about Spc. Tatyana Marquardt as we follow her journey.