Sergeant First Class Cathrine Schmid, U.S. Army

For nearly two decades, Sergeant First Class Cathrine Schmid has served as an Army Signals Intelligence Analyst, navigating the ever-evolving challenges of modern warfare while leading soldiers with dedication and integrity. Since 2005, she has provided critical intelligence support to military operations worldwide. But for the last decade she has also taken on another role—a vocal advocate for transgender service members, ensuring that the Army remains a place where everyone has an opportunity to show their talent and commitment.

Cathrine’s leadership has been recognized at the highest levels. She earned the Sergeant Audie Murphy Award, one of the most prestigious honors for an Army NCO. She was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for her exceptional contributions to the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, and in 2024, she was named the Equal Opportunity Advisor of the Year at the three-star level for her work in improving command climate and supporting soldiers. These accomplishments highlight her unwavering dedication to both mission success and the well-being of those she serves alongside.

Her journey has not been without obstacles. At a time when transgender service members faced policy uncertainty, Cathrine stood firm, advocating for fairness, dignity, and respect. Her resilience was tested in 2019, when she became one of the most visible service members impacted by shifting military policies on transgender service. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to both her soldiers and her country, proving that capability and courage are what truly define a leader.

Now stationed in Maryland with her wife and their dog, Cathrine continues to serve, lead, and advocate for those who follow in her footsteps. Her story is one of resilience, excellence, and the belief that everyone who is willing to serve should be given the opportunity to do so—because, at the end of the day, the Army’s strength lies in the dedication of its soldiers of every background.

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