1st Lt. Mackenzie Corcoran found inspiration in the accomplishments of three pioneering women who recently graduated from the U.S. Army Ranger School: 1st Lt. Erin O’Hara, a former college peer; Capt. Sara Febbo; and 1st Lt. Rachael Kicklighter, the first woman to earn the distinction of honor graduate. Although Corcoran was stationed elsewhere and did not attend their ceremonies, their achievements profoundly influenced her mindset.
Corcoran, now serving with the 29th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, shared, "Their success showed me that it was possible for me too." This belief became a turning point for her, allowing her to finally overcome the self-doubt that had kept her from pursuing Ranger School. Seeking further confidence, she turned to five Ranger-tabbed mentors who had been her pillars of support throughout her journey.
In a moment of camaraderie, these mentors, who also formed part of her Brigade command team, took turns shaving her head in the Brigade Hall of Heroes. Reflecting on that experience, Corcoran remarked, “Having people who genuinely believe in you is crucial for success.”
Corcoran's military journey began in May 2021, shortly after she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Following her completion of the Basic Officer Leader Course in June 2021, she was assigned to the 29th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Schofield Barracks.
From the outset, Corcoran had set her sights on attending the Jungle Operations Training Course (JOTC), a challenging 12-day program designed to equip Soldiers with the skills needed to navigate and operate in jungle environments. Within a week of joining her unit in January 2022, she was given the opportunity to attend JOTC at Lightning Academy, where she earned her first tab, a badge that signifies specialized skills within the U.S. Army.
Achieving the JOTC tab was just the beginning for Corcoran. She views this course as an excellent introduction for Soldiers looking to challenge themselves, as it builds crucial skills like teamwork, navigation, and communication, while also boosting self-confidence.
“JOTC taught me that I could succeed in an Army course and inspired me to pursue the Sapper Leader Course,” Corcoran said.
With the support of her command team, Corcoran found time in her schedule from November to December 2022 to attend the Sapper Leader Course without neglecting her responsibilities as a platoon leader. The Sapper Leader Course, a demanding 28-day program for combat engineers, focuses on developing leadership skills and advanced techniques.
The physical rigors of the Sapper Leader Course were unlike anything Corcoran had faced before. She was unsure how her body and mind would handle the limited rations and sleep, but she soon discovered the extraordinary resilience of the human body and spirit.
“You don’t realize how much you’re capable of until you push your limits,” Corcoran reflected.
During the course, students were allotted an hour each day for eating and sleeping, a period referred to as “Sapper time.” On one particularly challenging day, the exhausted students were forced to run laps in the pouring rain, reducing their usual hour to just 20 minutes. Wet and drained, Corcoran chose to eat her field rations rather than sleep, seeking shelter under her poncho.
“It was tough; we were all struggling,” she recalled. Despite the hardship, Corcoran found the strength to encourage a friend who was contemplating quitting. “We’re almost there,” she told him. “We can’t give up now.”
Throughout her journey to earn each tab, Corcoran’s greatest challenge was conquering her own self-doubt. “Fear of failure is universal, but I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t try,” she said.
In January 2023, Corcoran was promoted to first lieutenant, marking another milestone with her completion of Ranger School. Known as one of the toughest military training programs, Ranger School prepares Soldiers to lead in combat situations. Corcoran noted, “Ranger School was less physically demanding than Sapper, but it was mentally tougher due to the amount of time spent alone with my thoughts.”
Ranger School is divided into three phases: Benning, Mountain, and Florida. Soldiers have two chances to pass each phase; if they fail, they must repeat that phase. Corcoran experienced this challenge firsthand when she had to repeat the Benning Phase.
Ultimately, Corcoran became the 135th woman to graduate from Ranger School, and one of the few women to earn both the Ranger and Sapper tabs.
Today, Corcoran proudly wears the Ranger, Sapper, and Jungle tabs on her shoulder, along with the Airborne badge, each representing a significant achievement in her military career.
Looking forward, Corcoran plans to attend the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program 2, a rigorous three-week course designed to select the best Soldiers for the 75th Ranger Regiment. After being promoted to captain and completing the Captains Career Course, she hopes to be stationed at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to be closer to her family and engage in more Airborne operations.
“I see no reason to leave the Army as long as it continues to provide opportunities for growth,” Corcoran said.
As she continues to advance in her career, Corcoran aspires to attend Air Assault School, Pathfinder School, and earn the Expert Soldier Badge. “I want to keep pushing myself by taking on as many Army courses as I can,” she said.
Each of Corcoran’s hard-earned tabs serves as a reminder of her capabilities. She hopes to inspire confidence in other Soldiers, encouraging them to pursue their goals. “You have to be your own biggest advocate,” she advised. “The best time to go after what you want is now.”