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Women have broken significant barriers in tactical and stealth-oriented combat, ranging from 

piloting advanced stealth fighters in the Air Force to participating in high-stakes special operations, as well as dominating in tactical shooting and mixed martial arts competitions. 

Key Figures in Aerial Combat & Stealth

• Capt. Emily “Banzai” Thompson: The first woman to fly the F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter in combat, launching from Al Dhafra Air Base.
• Capt. Anneliese Satz: A Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II pilot, recognized as the first female to fly this specific stealth fighter.
• Capt. Jammie Jamieson: The first operational and combat-ready female F-22 Raptor pilot.
• Col. Jennifer Avery: Credited as the first woman to fly the B-2 Stealth Bomber.
• Marte (Norway): Norway’s first female F-35 pilot.
• Night Witches (Historical): The 588th Night Bomber Regiment, an all-female unit in WWII known for silent night bombing missions. 

Tactical and Special Operations

• Special Operations: Female soldiers have served in, and passed training for, elite units such as the Green Berets (first passing in 1980) and Navy SEALs.
• Combat Intelligence: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) utilize specialized female combat intelligence units, such as Unit 8200’s forward operating arm, for stealth and field intelligence.
• Combat Recognition: In 2005, Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester became the first woman since WWII to receive the Silver Star for direct combat action. 

Tactical Skills and Combat Sports

• Competitive Shooting: Alysia Burrows won the “Stealth 2-Gun” at the Superstition Mountain Mystery Match, showcasing high-level, practical stealth-based shooting.
• The Tactical Games: Women compete in elite divisions that combine physical endurance with live-fire rifle and pistol shooting, such as the “Ski & Steel” stage, which requires precise, quiet, and rapid engagement.
• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Top-tier fighters such as Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko, and Dakota Ditcheva demonstrate high-level tactical striking and grappling. 

Gear and Tactical Apparel

• Helikon-Tex Gunfighter Jacket: A specialized softshell designed for female law enforcement, allowing for covert (“stealth”) operations while providing, easy access to gear. 

These women represent a growing presence in roles requiring, precision, stealth, and high-stakes tactical decision-making. 

A pilot with the callsign ‘Banzai’ is the first woman to fly the F-35 in combatJun 11, 2020 — Capt. Emily “Banzai” Thompson with the 388th Fighter Wing is now the first woman to fly the stealth fighter in combat after launching from Al Dhafra Air Base.Task & Purpose