Every day brings new challenges

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Article by Col. Charles Kohler, Maryland National Guard Public Affairs Office

Looking towards the future, 2nd Lt. Dajana Dangubic from Konjic, Bosnia-Herzegovina is taking the unconventional road for women.

“Joining the army really opened my eyes, said Dangubic. “It taught me to think of more than just myself. Now, I really enjoy working as a member of a team in a tank. When you’re in a tank you have to know how everyone thinks, and you must be able to anticipate their moves. It’s like they become part of your family.”

Danqubic is a mentor and the officer in charge of her team from the Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina competing in the Maryland National Guard’s 2018 Best Warrior competition. This is her first time visiting the United States. She enjoys traveling and visiting other countries. Dangubic said she is very familiar with American culture through movies. She is interested learning about how women are treated in different cultures.

She joined the AF BiH just two years ago after graduating from college. She said that her family laughed at her when she said that she wanted to join the military and drive a tank.

“I wanted to prove them wrong,” said Dangubic. “I am always looking for new challenges, and in my country women are expected to have a family and raise children.”

Dangubic said she is proud of the fact that she is only the eighth woman in her country to jump from the 88 foot tall bridge in Mostar.

“I always want to better each day,” said Dangubic.

As a competitive weight lifter and avid CrossFit participant, Dangubic is no stranger to working alone.

In July, Dangubic hopes to be one of the few females to attend the U.S. Army’s Armor Basic Leader Course.

“I am full of energy and I want to make things better,” said Dangubic. “Women need to work hard to meet the same standard as men. When I am at work we are all soldiers but when I go home I can be a woman.”

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