Sgt. Maciel Hay has set a new precedent in the U.S. Army, becoming the first active-duty female soldier to successfully graduate from the esteemed sniper course.
Her remarkable achievement, realized at Fort Moore, Georgia, symbolizes a significant stride in the integration of women into combat roles and specialized military training.
Assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy, Sgt. Hay is currently deployed with the brigade in Germany. Her background, was filled with experiences of shooting on family ranches in Rocklin, California, and Medford, Oregon, and laid the foundation for her military career.
“My nickname growing up was ‘Sniper’… I grew up shooting, mostly rifles and handguns, on my family’s ranches. But the nickname came from the fact that I could find things really fast, similar to how a sniper does target detection,” Hay said.
The catalyst for Sgt. Hay’s pursuit of becoming a sniper was a challenge posed by a close friend. She recounts, “A close friend told Hay she’d never make it in the Army or become a sniper.”
This skepticism only fueled her determination, as she reflects, “Needless to say, that person is no longer part of my life. But now that I look back at it, I really do appreciate the motivation.”
The Army’s sniper course is notoriously tough, with a high dropout rate and stringent requirements. To even qualify, soldiers must exhibit exceptional marksmanship, achieving a score of at least 36 out of 40 targets.
The recent reduction of the course from seven to five weeks has not diminished its rigor, encompassing extensive training in stalking, concealment, observation, intelligence gathering, and advanced camouflage techniques.
Sgt. Hay’s dedication was particularly evident in the crafting of her ghillie suit, a crucial element for a sniper’s concealment. It was a collaborative effort, with Sgt. Hay noting, “Building her suit was a group effort… that took multiple people and many hours of sewing.”
Sfc. Timothy Moore, the marksmanship team chief, emphasized the importance of this task, stating, “No two ghillie suits are going to be the same.”
Throughout the course, Sgt. Hay faced numerous challenges, including the aspects of rapid target engagement and intelligence reporting. She found engaging long-distance targets while sitting on rucksacks to be particularly challenging.
Looking ahead, Sgt. Hay’s next assignment will be with the 40th Cavalry Regiment in the 11th Airborne Division in Anchorage, Alaska. Her aspirations continue to grow, as she aims to become a jumpmaster and is considering attending Ranger school, encouraged by many.
Sgt. Hay’s success is a landmark in the military’s history, exemplifying the breaking of gender barriers and showcasing the potential and capabilities of women in demanding and critical military roles.
Her journey from a childhood nickname to a respected position in the Army serves as an inspiring testament to determination, skill, and the newfound opportunities available in the U.S. military for women.
