Edit: Thank you Guest for pointing out the mistake I made on Sink's name

Marie drummed her fingers anxiously against her knee, which was covered conservatively by an itchy skirt she already regretted wearing. She bit her lip, feeling small under the stares of the military women from the posters hanging on the wall. Ironic considering a flyer of a woman dressed up as an elite paratrooper was how she ended up in the compact office in a desolate place like Camp Toccoa. She was glad she wore cotton, feeling the sweat stick to her back from the relentless Georgia heat. Marie was afraid she would look too sweaty and make a bad impression with the Lieutenant Colonel she was meeting with.

Marie studied the room, which was overly smothered with the color khaki. The entire barracks were khaki and blended with the dusty sand colored ground that covered the entire area of Camp Toccoa. Marie could feel herself covered in dust from the spinning tires of her father's Oldsmobile. He had dropped her off, gave her a hearty goodbye, and sped off into the horizon before Marie could change her mind. There was no backing out now. She made a commitment to use her medical skills to help with the war effort in any way that she could. She had already contacted Lieutenant Colonel Robert Sink, showing her interest in this new female paratrooper program. He eagerly responded with a meeting date. Now she was waiting for Sink inside his office, feeling restless, overheated, and less excited then she originally imagined she would be.

"Ms. Docherty!" A thick, southern accent chimed in, making her almost jump out of her chair.

Marie shot up, bringing up her hand in a sloppy salute. "It's great to meet you, sir!"

Don't lay it on too thick.

Sink extended his hand, giving Marie a firm handshake that made her hand feel as if she had gotten it stuck in a compressor. He made his way around his desk and sat before her and Marie sat back down and scooted her chair closer. Sink was what one would call an "old breed" in the Army. All his hair had gone silver with his old age, and he had a matching bushy moustache covering his upper lip. Despite his age, his build had been sharpened into the standard military issue of what a physically fit man was supposed to look like.

"Now, I know we discussed most of what was needed for your initiation into the program over the phone. Today I'll be issuing you your Class A and B uniforms, as well as your PT uniform. You won't receive your official paratrooper uniform and helmet with the insignia until you complete all your required steps and graduate as a full-fledged paratrooper." Sink gave her a genuine smile as he shuffled through some documents on his desk. "Now, I understand you registered yourself with the preference of being a medic, is that correct?"

"Yes, sir." She answered.

"A medic is considered a technician rank. With your college degree, your rank is up to about a technician third grade, which is equivalent to the rank of sergeant. But understand, because it's a technician rank instead of a standard grunt, you will not be allowed to be issued your own platoon even though you're an NCO. Understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"You will be taking standard fitness tests and paratrooper training along with the other members of your company, but medical classes will be added to your agenda. Every soldier receives special training based on their squad, preference, or skill level." Sink continued on, his voice matter-of-fact, but not unfriendly.

Marie listened intently, worried she wouldn't retain all the information he was giving her.

"Now, I'm sure you're eager to find out which company you'll be placed in?"

"Sir." Marie nodded curtly.

Sink studied her document, and smiled to himself, which made Marie feel uneasy.

"You're being assigned to Easy Company, part of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. Don't worry, you're not the only female that will be joining a group of men. A woman named Emilia Valdez has enlisted, and is also a technician rank." Sink's dark brown eyes scanned the paper. "Her specialty is making maps and translating. Along with the two of you joining Easy Company, there are four other women that have been selected to be a part of other companies of the 506th. Jane Elliot and Barbara Goode will be joining Dog Company; Diana Schumacher and Florence Neil will be joining Fox Company. This is a trial run for allowing women to be a part of the frontlines, so only six women have been accepted so far. That may change in the future."

Marie nodded, letting Sink know that she was still following his rundown. He laced his callused, wrinkled fingers together, and leaned against his desk as if he was attempting to close the distance between them. She caught a shift in his expression from lightheartedness to seriousness, placing Marie on edge.

"There are a few rules 'round here, after all this is the Army, not grade school." Sink stated, keeping his eyes confidently fixed on Marie like a prominent figure of authority does. "Absolutely no fraternizing or any acts of fornication are allowed with the men. Breaking this rule will lead to instant disqualification, and you will be dishonorably discharged. Understand?"

"Yes, sir." Marie said. She wasn't here to pick out a husband; she was here to help her country. She wouldn't allow herself to be distracted by such frivolous matters like romance.

"Secondly, the women will be receiving their own barracks, even though ya'll are from separate companies. You are not permitted into the men's barracks at any time. There are four steps you must successfully pass in order to be an official member of the Airborne. Physical fitness, successfully completing practice jumps, packing and unpacking a 'chute, and the five required jumps from a C-47." Sink leaned back in his chair, his mood suddenly switching back to being warm. He smiled again. "Any questions, young lady?"

Marie pondered a moment; carefully analyzing everything Sink had told her. She finally looked him in the eye. "No, sir."

Sink stood up and extended his arm again. "Welcome to the paratroopers."

Yes! I am back with A Woman At War! Rewriting this story has been on my mind for a year now. There are a lot of improvements I want to make and some things I want to change. I hope you guys don't mind going through Marie's adventure again. (I'm also working on changing the cover). I hope everyone enjoys!

Currahee!