FORT HOOD, Texas — WATCH LIVE AT 6:45 A.M. ON TEXAS TODAY
When Col. Deitra Trotter enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1990, she said she didn't think she would would stay in the Army very long. Today, she serves as the Commander of the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade at Fort Hood.
Despite her long-tenured service, it’s her gender that still surprises people on base.
“I think when I first arrived last summer, I got a few puzzled stares. That was fun,” she said.
The looks she said she remembered were because of military stereotypes.
“In most of the units, it’s mostly male. I look around and go: 'Oh, it’s just me,'” she said.
Even though there are more men based at Fort Hood than women, that doesn't stop Trotter from being a strong leader. Capt. Sarah Broderick said Trotter sets a great example for all soldiers to emulate.
“She’s changing the narrative of what it means to be a female leader and just being a good all-around leader, soldier, and person,” Broderick said.
Trotter said she doesn’t let the gender discussion distract her from her main focus: Service.
“I think about my responsibility to our soldiers, to their families, and to our country,” she said.
With her own family, Trotter said raising one has helped her in her professional career.
“Being a mother probably helps with being a leader," she said. "I think being a mother helps you give soldiers a little tough love.”
Although she has to dish out that tough love, Trotter continues to have a positive impact on her colleagues.
“Growing up and knowing that I was going to be in the Army and a female in the Army, people tend to have this idea you’re either too tough or too soft, and there’s nothing in between," Broderick said. "Where I think Colonel Trotter is changing that narrative.”
Trotter said her career has been a success, but she won't let herself get complacent.
“In my career field, there has never been a black female general officer,” she said.
One day, she hopes to achieve that goal, but for now, she’s focused on inspiring generations to come.
“I look at young ladies now, and I want them to go further than me,” she said.
Trotter always stays true to herself, which Broderick said is why people respect who she is.
“I’m not one of the guys, I am who I am.”