Sniper School’s First Female Graduate Aims for New Heights
U.S. Army Sgt Maciel Hay has made history as the first active-duty female soldier to graduate from the Army’s elite sniper school, a grueling seven-week course that trains the most feared weapon on the battlefield. But she’s not stopping there. Hay has set her sights on two more challenging courses: Jumpmaster and Ranger School.
Hay, a cavalry scout with 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, has always been a sharpshooter. Growing up on her family’s ranches in California and Oregon, she learned how to handle rifles and handguns from her uncle Cy. Her childhood nickname was “Sniper” because she could find things really fast, just like a sniper does target detection.
Maciel Hay joined the Army four years ago, inspired by a friend who doubted her abilities and told her she would never make it as a sniper. She proved him wrong by excelling in basic training airborne school, and sniper school, where she was the only woman among 28 candidates.
She arrived prepared for training and physically conditioned to succeed. We are proud of the results of her efforts and the quality training provided by the Sniper Course Cadre,” said Capt. David Wright, a battalion commander at the sniper school.
Hay is now back with her unit in Italy where she is ready to deploy and use her skills in combat. She is also preparing for Jumpmaster School where she will learn how to lead parachute operations and Ranger School where she will face the toughest physical and mental challenges in the Army.
Hay is not only a trailblazer for women in the military, but also a role model for anyone who wants to pursue their dreams. She has shown that with determination, hard work, and passion, nothing is impossible.
“I don’t want to be known as the first female sniper, I want to be known as a good sniper, I want to inspire others to follow their goals and not let anyone tell them what they can or can’t do.” she said.
