Jackie Munn, an officer in the U.S. Army, recounts her emotional departure for a combat zone, grappling with the risks of deployment and the potential consequences for her husband. She reflects on her journey from being an executive officer to volunteering for the Cultural Support Team (CST) Program, which works alongside Special Operations units in Afghanistan, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women in combat roles.
  

Key Points: 

1. Jackie Munn describes the poignant moment before her deployment, facing the emotional turmoil of leaving her husband and confronting the realities of war.
2. Munn volunteered for the CST Program to work with Special Operations in Afghanistan, a decision driven by her ambition and the desire to challenge the notion that women are unfit for combat.
3. Her training for the CST was intensive, involving a variety of preparation activities to ensure readiness for the mission ahead.
4. The narrative captures the duality of her experience: the burden of potential loss and the opportunity to live each day fully while serving in a combat zone.
5. Munn’s story sheds light on the internal conflicts and societal pressures that women in special operations face, particularly around the issue of emotional expression and perceived strength.

Source: https://thewarhorse.org/line-of-departure/