ROTC Scholarship Sets Stage for Historic Rise
Maj. Gen. Janeen Birckhead’s journey to leading Maryland’s National Guard began with a fateful ROTC scholarship. Though initially hesitant to embark on a military path, the opportunity helped cement Birckhead’s ascent through the ranks over her 30-year career.
This April, Gov. Wes Moore appointed Birckhead as Maryland’s adjutant general, making her the first and only Black woman in charge of a state military force. The groundbreaking promotion caps Birckhead’s barrier-breaking service at the highest levels of military leadership.
Taking Inspiration from Trailblazers Before Her
While proud of her pioneer status, Birckhead stands on the shoulders of the trailblazing women who came before her. She reflects often on leaders like retired Brig. Gen. Julia Cleckley, one of the few Black female officers when Birckhead enlisted in the 1990s.
“Seeing Black women excel in leadership inspired me to push forward when things got difficult,” Birckhead explained. She also cites mentor and retired Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, Maryland’s first female and African American adjutant general, as instrumental in her rise.
New Role Focuses on Expanding Representation
As Birckhead settles into her new role leading and advocating for Maryland’s 4,600 guard members, expanding diversity remains top of mind. Though she made history herself, the recurring military “firsts” for women and people of color bother her.
“We want a second and a third and fourth…not having to say ‘the first,’” Birckhead points out. To that end, recruitment tops her agenda given declining enlistment nationwide. She hopes outreach highlighting career opportunities will inspire more young people, especially women and people of color, to envision themselves serving.
Leaning Into Her Platform to Inspire Change
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Birckhead plans to maximize her platform. She aims not only to run an effective force but also nurture an inclusive culture where everyone thrives.
“My goal is for soldiers and airmen to feel safe and heard,” Birckhead explains. By speaking and leading from experience, she also hopes to expand narrow perceptions of possibility for those aspiring to follow her footsteps.
Thirty years since her reluctant start, Birckhead now appreciably sees herself as a role model. Though her barrier-breaking journey has included setbacks, her persistence demonstrates that excellence comes not from perfection but rather perseverance.
With Maj. Gen. Birckhead now positioned to guide Maryland’s military into the future, her groundbreaking leadership ensures the guard stands ready to meet whatever challenges may come next.
