U.S. Army Private 2nd Class Natalie Booker would attribute graduating U.S. Army Basic and Military Police training — what could have been characterized as a bumpy start — to her uncanny ability to "embrace the suck."
It's a phrase common to the young recruits of Echo Company, 14th Military Police Brigade, 701 Battalion, Military Police Corps Regiment, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Booker, a 2014 Baker School graduate, departed for training in early August and returned Dec. 21. Her Advance Individual training introduced her to law-enforcement skills for war, peace, stability and civil support operations as a Military Police solder. Training was rigorous and trying for all those in Echo Company.
Booker, while serving as a bay chief of 30 female soldiers, spent countless hours helping others get through the demanding schedule.
Drill instructors, noticing the potential of the former Baker School JROTC battalion commander, loaded her with additional tasks along the way.
Her extra effort culminated in the presentation of a challenge coin by one of her toughest DI’s, as well as countless new friendships made along the way.
Christmas came early for Booker on two accounts: first was in the form of her first duty assignment being on the island of O’ahu, Hawaii. Second was being able to spend the next two weeks with a proud gathering of family and friends before she relocates to Hawaii.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker alumna assigned to first Army duty in Hawaii