Yan Ping has become the first female soldier to be promoted to the position of sergeant major in China's military history. (Photo/PLA Daily)
(ECNS) -- Yan Ping has become the first female soldier to be promoted to the position of sergeant major in China's military history, the People's Liberation Army Daily reported on Tuesday.
Before the appointment, Yan was sergeant first class and squad leader of the first company of a communications regiment of the Shenyang Military Area Command.
According to Regimental Commander Wang Hongjie, Yan passed strict selection procedures before being awarded the position.
Wang's regiment is part of a pilot reform program initiated by the military that focuses on the selection of female sergeant majors.
Yan Ping graduated from Liaoning Normal University as an applied chemistry major and joined the Army six years ago. She has vowed to work hard to carry out her new responsibilities as an assistant to the company leader and make new contributions.
According to the report, the uniform for female sergeant majors will differ from those worn by males in the same role.
