CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Caitlin Sullivan gripped the M9 service pistol. The scorching hot sun beamed down as sweat rolled down her face. She pushed off the safety, touched the trigger, aimed and readied to shoot a real person who had come over the fence. This wasn’t training anymore. It required a split-second decision . . . and she chose not to shoot.
Fifteen years in the Navy is a long time for the average Sailor. Sullivan knows – as a successful Master-At-Arms, First Class, she’s looking ahead to retirement – and back at a mostly successful career. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she’s had a few great jobs. Always choosing to reenlist, she has pushed hard on her military journey since 2005, when she first enlisted in the Navy.
“As odd as it sounds to say this now, when I joined -- I was a bit of a rebel and one that didn’t like authority.” She recalls herself as a young adult and junior Sailor. “I originally wanted to become a Hospital Corpsman, but the wait was too long. So the next choice was Master-At-Arms. The recruiter told me it was an active job, I’d stay busy, and carry a gun all the time. I said ‘sign me up.’ And that’s what started my personal growth from rebel to the person I am now.” She remembers the times when she really needed a second chance herself.