If 2 Women Conquer Florida Swamps, It's Army History

Two women tomorrow will begin a grueling 17-day stretch in the swamps of Florida, and if they make it out OK, they'll become the first females to earn an Army Ranger title. The pair have advanced to the final stage of the Ranger school, having gotten through the arduous second phase in the mountains of Georgia, reports the Christian Science Monitor. They'll be vying for the honor along with 125 men. A third woman will get a second chance to take the mountain course over again, as will 60 men who also failed on the first try.

"The coastal swamps of Florida will continue to test the students," says Col. David Fivecoat. "Only the best will be successful and earn the Ranger Tab.” One caveat: If the women earn the tab, they won't actually get to serve as Rangers and go on special ops missions. But the Washington Post notes that many male soldiers also earn the tab and go on to serve in roles outside the Rangers. (More Army Rangers stories.)