Port Orchard Woman to be Among First Female Tank Operators

The Kitsap Sun reports that 18-year-old Levani Ilasa enlisted Wednesday in the Army as an M1 armor crewman. Armor, cavalry and other combat jobs opened to women April 1.

Ilasa says she wanted to make an impact by being among the first female tankers, but also that she understands it's just like any other job.

Ilasa will report for duty in March once facilities at Fort Benning, Georgia, are refitted for women.

Another Port Orchard woman is enlisting as a fire support specialist for a field artillery team but she hasn't been formally sworn in.