Team Lioness: Interview with Major Kate Guttormsen

Read Guttormsen’s diary excerpts >>

“I don’t think my experiences were any different than my male counterparts. I think some of my coping mechanisms were different. For example, I’m sure I cried more than my male counterparts—behind closed doors.”

— Major Kate Guttormsen

What have you been doing since filming ended in August 2007?

I’m still serving in the Army. I moved to Hawaii in June 2008 to serve on the public affairs staff of the Special Operations Command-Pacific.

How do you think your experiences in combat as a woman differ from those of men?

I don’t think my experiences were any different than my male counterparts. I think some of my coping mechanisms were different. For example, I’m sure I cried more than my male counterparts—behind closed doors.

What was/is your day-to-day role during active duty?

Currently serving as a public affairs staff officer.

What most surprised you about your time in Iraq?

When I was in Iraq (2003–2004), I was most surprised by the mixed reception we received by the Iraqi people. In the town of Ramadi, there were just as many people who seemed to like us as those who didn’t. Made it very challenging to develop quality/trusting relationships with all of the people we came across.

What about your experience would you like to communicate to the American public?

My experience was long ago. I’m no longer current. However, I’d encourage the American public to remember that we are over there and encourage them to continue to support our troops today as much as they did in the early years of the war.

How has your service affected your family?

Our family is closer. We value the simpler things in life when we are distanced from one another for extended periods of time. Add on the emotions and stress of serving in conflict and it seems to only intensify my desire to come home and have dinner at the kitchen table with the people I love.

What would your advice be to an 18-year-old woman entering the military?

Have fun, travel and do those things in the military that challenge you. There will come a time when your priorities will change. Take advantage of having a young body and mind to work hard and play hard while you can.

If you could change one thing about the military, what would it be?

Maternity/paternity leave and/or sabbatical. Right now the Army grants a new mom 42 days of convalescent leave. The father gets no paternity leave. I think both parents should be offered leave when they have a child and I think the Army should consider sabbaticals. I’ve had many female friends get out of the Army simply because it was impossible to balance work life and family life. If a sabbatical was offered, it would allow women to take the necessary time to take care of a young child and then return to the service.

What is it like being a female in command?

Challenging. But, command is challenging for every officer regardless of gender. In order to be successful, the higher-level chain of command has to be supportive. I had a superb all-male chain of command that didn’t discriminate. This empowered me to be as successful as I wanted to be.

Read an interview with Captain Anastasia Breslow >>

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