State National Guard names first woman Army combat arms officer

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma Army National Guard has named its first female Army combat arms officer.

According to a press release from the state’s National Guard, 2nd Lt. Jamie Ellis of Pawnee has been selected to attend the U.S. Army’s Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Sill.

The news release says field artillery is one of seven combat arms branches that were closed to women. The others include infantry and Special Forces.

Ellis is assigned to an infantry brigade combat team that’s headquartered in Chandler. She serves as a fire direction officer.