Chief Tanner is the first active duty Navy woman to be selected for Chief “I” Brancher Chief Tanner was born in China Lake, California, the daughter of a U.S. Navy Senior Chief Corpsman. She joined the Navy in 1974 and attended basic training in Orlando, Florida. From there she went to Dental Tech “A” school in San Diego, California. After serving as a Dental Technician at Balboa, Groton, and Pearl Harbor, Chief Tanner was transferred to Pensacola, Florida.

While working at the PSD in Pensacola, she decided to change rates to “In Branch. She was transferred to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, where she received training as a Russian Linguist. After follow-on training at Goodfellow AFB, Chief Tanner was PCS’d to Sinop, Turkey. She then enjoyed a tour at NSGA Edzell, Scotland. Chief Tanner is currently an instructor for Phase II Class “A” school (Russian Basic) at Goodfellow AFB, Texas.

She has received two Navy Achievement Medals, three Navy Good Conduct Medals, and the National Defense Ribbon. She has also received a personal Letter of Commendation from RADM James S. McFarland, Commander, Naval Security Group.

Jerry is active in the Navy and civilian communities. She has served on Navy Day Ball committees and was active in the Acey-Deucy association. She also volunteers her time teaching underprivileged students in a “Saturday Scholars” program.

When asked what she felt the selection board saw in her record to make it stand out, Chief Tanner replied that since female linguists did not have the opportunity to do direct support, they must rely upon sustained performance, leadership roles, and more arduous shore assignments.

Chief Tanner acknowledges that while it has been harder for females to be competitive without the opportunity for sea duty, the situation is rapidly improving. She particularly cites the fact that there has been recent relaxation in the regulation regarding women and flight duty. Congratulations to Chief Tanner on this precedent-setting accomplishment!

By CTRCS Rich Lomax

Source: NCVA CRYPTOLOG, 1987 Vol. 9, No 4