KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — As a medical provider, Capt. Jennifer Hawkins works closely with the enlisted health care specialists of her battalion to ensure service members throughout Kandahar Airfield receive proper medical care.

However, unlike most officers, this is familiar and comfortable territory for the Soldier from 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Sewn on the lower right pocket of her uniform is the evidence: the Army Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.

“When I became a drill sergeant, for me that’s when I really learned how to be a leader,” Hawkins said. “Breaking down a civilian and turning them into a Soldier and understanding what it takes to do that, was a learning experience. There is not a single thing a Soldier can present to me at this point in my career that will surprise me.”

Hawkins began her journey in the Army as a practical nursing specialist following her graduation from Lake Havasu City High School in October 1998. “My first assignment was at Fort Sam Houston (Texas) at a critical care unit, and I think that’s where my love of medicine first started,” said Hawkins. “I was promoted to the rank of sergeant within two years of being in the military, and I just kept climbing up the ranks very quickly.”

At the age of 25 and as a staff sergeant, Hawkins was selected to go through the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School.

“Although I was afraid and, in my mind, not ready to be a drill sergeant, it’s what made me the leader I am today,” she said.

After serving her time shaping civilians into Soldiers, Hawkins attained the rank of sergeant first class, and continued to challenge and improve herself by earning her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. “At this point I thought to myself, ‘Well, what’s next?’ and then I heard about the physician assistant program for the Army and became interested,” she said. “However, once again I was afraid and pushed away from it when I heard people talking about how difficult the school was and how low the passing rate was.”

Hawkins’ battalion sergeant major persuaded her to apply for a direct commissioning board.

“I decided to do it and applied in October of 2009,” said Hawkins. “In February of 2010 the master sergeant list was released and I had been selected for promotion, a month or so later the board results came out, and out of 500 applicants, five were selected, and I was one of them.”

At 11 years in the military, Hawkins had an important decision to make.

“The day I raised my hand and I was no longer a (sergeant first class) promotable and was now a second lieutenant, I cried because I felt like an NCO through and through and now I was leaving it,” said Hawkins. “It was a very hard decision leaving the NCO corps but the experience is something I will always take with me.”

Jennifer Hawkins

Stripes to bars: Havasu leader brings experience, knowledge from NCO to officer rank