When she grasps her AK47 in her hands, Natalie Chinniah finds herself in her comfort zone.
“I’m a lady in a man’s world,” says the half Sri Lankan, half English 29 year old, referring to her seven years of training and service in the British Military. “Most of the men I have dated are extremely intimidated by a girlfriend who carries a pistol more than a handbag; and obviously I don’t try this in the UK as I would be arrested for carrying a firearm. But on a personal side, men want a lady who does a ladies job like office work, or a florist whereas I would rather be rolling around in the muck with an AK47.”
Judging by Natalie’s appearance-long hair, French manicure, petite frame- this is hard to imagine, and all too easy to underestimate her skill in the field. However, no one; and it must be repeated- no one- makes the same mistake twice.
Having left the military, Natalie is now a trained Close Protection Officer working for a security company in Afghanistan, training security to Afghans and expatriates on everything ranging from firearms to First Aid.
A typical training programme will see Natalie facing several wry, skeptical glances from Afghans who cannot help but smirk at the sight of a woman holding, let alone handling a firearm. The first surprise comes when they find that she is fluent in the native languages- Dari and Pashtu and the second, when they find, to their amazement, that she could teach even the elders who grew up using the weapon systems a trick or two.
“There will always be speculation and the usual patronizing treatment when a woman steps into what is perceived as a man’s role. It can be hard sometimes, to have someone you have met for the first time laugh when they are told what your occupation is; but that just comes with ignorance so I let that slip because I know my capabilities,” says Natalie.
When it comes to facing the action and the adrenaline rush involved, Natalie is calmly nonchalant. As a Medical Officer with the British Navy, being caught in the crossfire out in an Afghan battlefield was a regular occurrence. “The first time our team got shot at by accident,” she recalls, “I think my first reaction was to laugh! The next was to remember my training and go into Automatic Response Mode. That is what we have been trained to do- where we are constantly put into challenging situations and each has a different drill to follow.”
Looking back on some of her experiences of warfare- the details of which she is barred from disclosing- Natalie is pleasantly surprised at her reactions to the action on a battlefield. “I have seen people who have reacted badly, who have had to cry or run away; and I never expected to be able to cope in the way I have. I would say that you really surprise yourself when you are placed in a challenging situation.”
Being one of the few females in her chosen field, Natalie reflects on her work, and has some interesting and entertaining insights to offer.
“Being a woman has meant a lot of unwanted attention. Men say women should not work in the Close protection/security industry because we are distracting! They maintain that if we get ambushed they would automatically try to protect us women which could lead to operational complications, but I say it is their problem if they cannot be professional; not mine for being a woman.
“Think about it,” she continues. A woman’s instinct is to protect also, yet I can manage and do not want to go into mother mode, and if a boy is pointing a gun at us with the intention to kill us I will shoot him, because I am being professional and not letting my sex or nature get in the way of my professional decisions.”
For Natalie, respect is important; and woe betides the person who oversteps the mark. “Respect isn’t given to you, nor should it be, it should be earned, from any one, including myself as a female in a man’s world. It doesn’t mean I have to work harder on the sole purpose of gaining respect, because I will work hard at whatever I do any way because my self-pride drives me to do my best.”
When she is not busy impressing with her guns and “rolling around in muck,” Natalie enjoys travelling to new places, photography learning of new cultures and spending time with family. “I sometimes take a little time to readjust though, from military mode to normal girl mode,” she says.
“I may swear more than the average woman because I have spent so many years with foul mouthed men and swearing helps us get to the point. I try to avoid this at home- especially when I see my Sri Lankan grandmother. I once flew back to the UK after being away in Afghanistan for 3 months and took my grandmother out in my car, when a truck pulled out, causing me to yell out obscene words and I had my ear clipped all the way to the beauty salon. Yes, it’s very unladylike to swear, and I’m on my best behaviour when I’m taken out on a date, I promise!”
Considering the demands of her work, Natalie finds that people expect her to be tough, masculine. “I don’t see why it is necessary to be that way,” she says. “Am I like a bloke? I certainly don’t look like one. I have long hair down to my waist, I love wearing heels and dresses and Mac makeup and getting my nails french manicured...when I am at home on leave! At work I will tie my hair away, and my make up is a chap stick and Vaseline moisturizer. Somehow, I manage to be a lady and one of the lads at the same time, and I am quite proud of that.” |
E-mail
