U.S. Army IMCOM
MG Camille Nichols-Female Army Leaders Panel-Mar. 2014
Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston (Mar. 20, 2014) -- Maj. Gen. Camille Nichols, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Installation Management Command participated in a panel discussion on women's roles in the U.S. Army. Nichols spoke about her Army career path, personal experiences and offered insight into changing attitude and culture regarding women's expanding opportunities in the Army.
"It was a different Army in 1981, I wanted a job where I could get dirty," Nichols told her listeners. "I was one of two female officers when I arrived at Fort Knox as an engineer. They didn't quite know what to do with me." Nichols said that while many doors closed in her face, unlooked-for opportunities shaped her career path.
"You never know what opportunities are out there - the Army needs agile, innovative, creative people," she said.
When asked about how to handle gender biased professional criticism, Nichols replied that focusing on her actions helped her as a female Army leader.
"It's going to happen (referring to a less than perfect rating). Don't chase a rating. If you do, you are in this for the wrong reason. Stay focused on improvement. Seek out the toughest job and do it well. That's how you show your true value."
The panel of five female Army leaders ranging in rank from sergeant major to major general spoke to approximately 30 members of the Rocks, Inc., San Antonio chapter, an officer corps mentoring and professional development organization.
(U.S. Army photos by Amanda Kraus Rodriguez)
MG Camille Nichols-Female Army Leaders Panel-Mar. 2014
Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston (Mar. 20, 2014) -- Maj. Gen. Camille Nichols, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Installation Management Command participated in a panel discussion on women's roles in the U.S. Army. Nichols spoke about her Army career path, personal experiences and offered insight into changing attitude and culture regarding women's expanding opportunities in the Army.
"It was a different Army in 1981, I wanted a job where I could get dirty," Nichols told her listeners. "I was one of two female officers when I arrived at Fort Knox as an engineer. They didn't quite know what to do with me." Nichols said that while many doors closed in her face, unlooked-for opportunities shaped her career path.
"You never know what opportunities are out there - the Army needs agile, innovative, creative people," she said.
When asked about how to handle gender biased professional criticism, Nichols replied that focusing on her actions helped her as a female Army leader.
"It's going to happen (referring to a less than perfect rating). Don't chase a rating. If you do, you are in this for the wrong reason. Stay focused on improvement. Seek out the toughest job and do it well. That's how you show your true value."
The panel of five female Army leaders ranging in rank from sergeant major to major general spoke to approximately 30 members of the Rocks, Inc., San Antonio chapter, an officer corps mentoring and professional development organization.
(U.S. Army photos by Amanda Kraus Rodriguez)