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Paving the Way: First Female Commander of the Old Guard
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“When we try to break down barriers and glass ceilings, it’s not just us,” says Lauran Glover, First African-American Female Commander of the Old Guard. Lauran started her military career in Guantanamo Bay Cuba as a second lieutenant in the military police. But when she was moved to the military police company in Arlington Cemetery, she fell in love with the ceremonial parts of military life - especially the drill team. In this episode of the Military Woman podcast, Lauran talks with Sharika about her experience in the Old Guard, and what it’s really like to break glass ceilings (hint: it’s hard!).
Lauran’s role as commander came at a time of change for the drill team and the military. There were a lot of female firsts in other branches when she became commander of the Old Guard. But her position also started at a period of down-turn for the drill team -- right before she began, the team was told they could no longer take sponsored trips, because it looked too lavish. As commander, Lauran found herself thrown into a new drill team, with a tight budget. She decided the best way to make an impact was to travel to schools and really amp up the fact that she was the first female, black commander -- to show girls across America what is possible for them in 2021.
Tune in this week to hear Lauran’s amazing story, including shout-outs to the many men and women who supported her journey and helped her pave the way to a more diverse Old Guard.
Quotes
- “It’s those things that we don’t realize in our society, because representation matters. I never saw a woman doing this, I never saw a woman around, so I didn’t see my opportunity in this path. (15:11-15:21)
- “I think this is important as well to say, about our conversations with glass ceilings. A lot of people think we break glass ceilings, and it's great and everyone loves it, and we move forward. That’s not how it happens.” (19:44-19:55)
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