Ma Yan [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Women commandos train in tactics. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Men belong to the battlefield and special operations are always the male domain; however, a group of women commandos broke the ceiling in the Third Company with their quick and tough response. The Third Company established the women special operation squad on January 1, 2014. Women commandos carry out all the duties that their male counterparts do, including parachuting, swimming, climbing, and down hilling, and focus more on skill training.

Ma Yan, commander of the second squad, was transferred from a signaler to a sniper and went on to become a commando in three years. As a single child, Ma wore herself out during the training at first. "I went to the restroom for about five to six times within half an hour before my first parachuting task," said Ma. "And I still shake when I talk about it." The brave girl overcame her fear in the end and asked to be the first jumper to set a good example for others.

The women commandos not only have strong bodies, but also firm hearts to contribute to the country. Yang Xujiao, a commander of the first squad, was honored several times for her outstanding performance, and when her boyfriend tried to persuade her to discharge early and find an easier job, she repiled "The company honored me and taught me the skill, and I cannot leave at this critical moment," said the commander.