A significant milestone for gender equality within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), on June 22, 2023 Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Attrux became the first woman from the combat arms to achieve the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) in the CAF’s Regular Force. This historic promotion not only recognizes CWO Attrux’s outstanding achievements but also marks another smashed glass ceiling for female non-commissioned members (NCMs).
CWO Attrux’s promotion is a testament to her dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to the CAF. Proudly promoted by her two sons Colton and Cameron, she has overcome numerous challenges throughout her career to reach this remarkable milestone. While not one to seek the spotlight, CWO Attrux acknowledged the importance of her achievement, emphasizing the need to inspire and empower all members, regardless of gender, to pursue their dreams and break free from limitations.
“I’m very, very blessed to be in this position. I’m not normally one for a spotlight, but I opted to do this because I feel that it is very, very important that we show our members, and not just our female members, you can change your stars. Only you can create your dream and only you decide when and if to give that dream up.
The road to gender equality in the CAF has been a long and arduous one. Until 1989, women were not eligible to join the combat arms, making CWO Attrux’s achievement all the more remarkable. Her journey started in with the Primary Reserves in December 1989, and serves as a reminder of the progress made in breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for women in the armed forces. By reaching her current rank, CWO Attrux has shattered the final glass ceiling for female NCMs, paving the way for future generations.
Lieutenant-General (LGen) Lise Bourgon, Commander of Military Personnel Command, had a few remarks of her own to honour the momentous occasion. “We are here to promote the first female Regular Force combat arms Chief Warrant Officer. This is a real milestone to commemorate. Thirty-four years ago, not only did CWO Attrux chose to serve as a proud member of Canada’s military, but she also chose to pursue a career in a traditionally male dominated space, the combat arms.
When she launched that journey in the late ‘80s, in very different times, this would have been no easy feat. Her achievements are testament to decades of commitment on a path that was not easy, but one that has paved the way for many women to follow in her footsteps.”
Promoted in the presence of female CAF members, CWO Attrux is inspiring and motivating future generations of servicewomen. Her achievement sends a powerful message to aspiring CAF members that gender should never be a barrier to success in any military profession.
In LGen Bourgon’s words, “Let this moment be a shining example of what CAF women can achieve, and my sincere congratulations once again. We wish CWO Attrux the best of luck in her substantive rank!”
Source: The Maple Leaf
