Amanda Azubuike has made history as the first Nigerian woman to become a Brigadier General in the United States Army.
Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Zimbabwean mother, her story exudes perseverance and determination, especially in an industry where the males typically hold senior positions.
Amanda’s father left Nigeria at a young age to study law in the UK, where he met her mother, a young nursing student. Her military journey began when her mother relocated to the U.S. with two children, Amanda, and her sister after her marriage fell apart. She became a US citizen in April 1989.
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From an early age, Azubuike showed a strong interest in the military. At 17, she joined the Air Force Junior ROTC, a program that trains high school students in leadership and aerospace science.
She later earned a degree in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas in 1993 before joining the U.S. Army as an aviator in 1994. After flight school, she became a UH-1 pilot and was assigned as a platoon leader at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia.
Her career quickly advanced, taking her to South Korea, where she worked as an Operations Officer and RC-12 pilot with the 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion (Aerial Exploitation). She continued her education, completing the Military Intelligence Captain’s Career Course and earning a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.
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With over 30 years of service, Azubuike has held key leadership roles in intelligence, public affairs, and senior advisory positions. She has served as Deputy Commanding Officer at the U.S. Army Cadet Command, Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Southern Command, and a Senior Military Advisor at the Pentagon. Her promotion to Brigadier General is a milestone not just for her but for many aspiring women in the military.
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