Vernice Armour, USMC

Captain Vernice Armour, USMC

Pioneering Aviator

“FlyGirl”

First African-American woman combat pilot in the U.S. Armed Forces

First Black Female Combat Pilot

Founder/CBO (Chief Breakthrough Officer) VAI Consulting and Training, LLC · VAI Consulting and Training, LLC

Liaison officer between Headquarters Marine Corps, DoD, and diverse affinity organizations. The position focuses on development, coordination, implementation, 

Vernice Armour, born in 1973, is a trailblazing former United States Marine Corps officer who achieved remarkable milestones in her military career. She made history by becoming the first African-American female naval aviator in the Marine Corps and, in doing so, became America’s first black female combat pilot. Her exceptional journey is marked by numerous honors and awards:

Early Life and Education

Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, she attended Overton High School, where she distinguished herself as a member of the mathematics honor society, the National Honor Society, and even held the position of class vice-president.

Career

proceedings

Armour’s career path is a testament to her determination and dedication:

  • In 1993, while studying at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), she enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and later joined the U.S. Army’s ROTC.
  • In 1996, she took a break from college to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a Nashville police officer, where she notably became the first female African-American to join the motorcycle squad.
  • Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997 and subsequently made history as the first African American female police officer in Tempe, Arizona, before embarking on her journey with the U.S. Marines.
  • Commissioned as a second lieutenant on December 12, 1998, she attended flight school at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, followed by Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. She excelled in her training and earned her wings in July 2001, ranking first in her class of twelve and among the top two hundred graduates. This achievement made her the Marine Corps’ inaugural African-American female pilot.
  • Assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California, Armour continued to excel, earning recognition as the 2001 Camp Pendleton Female Athlete of the Year. She also won the Camp’s Strongest Warrior Competition twice and even played as a running back for the San Diego Sunfire women’s football team.
  • In March 2003, Armour made history once again by flying with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq, becoming the first black female combat pilot in America. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf before transitioning to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as a program liaison officer.

Personal Life and Beyond

After leaving the U.S. Marine Corps in June 2007, Vernice Armour embarked on a new chapter in her life as a professional speaker and an expert in achieving breakthroughs. She shared her insights and experiences to inspire others to overcome obstacles and accomplish their goals.

In 2011, Armour published her book titled “Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter,” further cementing her legacy as a motivational figure and a symbol of perseverance and achievement. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire individuals from all walks of life.

Venice Armour also founded

Founder/CBO (Chief Breakthrough Officer) VAI Consulting and Training, LLC · VAI Consulting and Training, LLC

Liaison officer between Headquarters Marine Corps, DoD, and diverse affinity organizations. The position focuses on development, coordination, implementation, 

VAI Consulting and Training, LLC is a distinguished company based in Stafford, Virginia. It was founded to provide a wide range of consulting and training services, offering expertise in various fields and industries. The company was established to address the specific needs of clients seeking professional guidance, training, and strategic solutions to enhance their businesses and organizations.

Vernice Armour, the accomplished founder of VAI Consulting and Training, LLC, brings her extensive background in leadership, aviation, and personal development to the company. Leveraging her experience as a groundbreaking combat pilot and her subsequent career as a motivational speaker, Vernice Armour plays a pivotal role within the organization.

As the driving force behind VAI Consulting and Training, LLC, Vernice Armour’s duties encompass:

  1. Leadership Coaching: Vernice leverages her military background and leadership experience to provide coaching and mentorship to individuals and teams. She offers valuable insights into leadership development, helping clients build strong and effective leadership skills.
  2. Motivational Speaking: Vernice Armour is renowned for her captivating and inspirational speeches. She conducts motivational speaking engagements, sharing her life experiences and expertise to motivate and empower audiences to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
  3. Training and Workshops: The company offers a diverse range of training programs and workshops designed to enhance personal and professional development. These programs cover various aspects of leadership, teamwork, and achieving breakthrough performance.
  4. Consulting Services: VAI Consulting and Training, LLC provides expert consulting services to organizations seeking guidance in areas such as leadership strategies, diversity and inclusion, and business growth. Vernice Armour’s insights and expertise help clients develop effective strategies and solutions.
  5. Customized Solutions: The company specializes in tailoring its services to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. Vernice Armour and her team work closely with organizations to develop customized solutions that drive success and positive change.

Founded on a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential, VAI Consulting and Training, LLC continues to make a significant impact in the fields of leadership, motivation, and professional development. Under Vernice Armour’s leadership, the company remains dedicated to empowering others to achieve breakthrough results and create lasting positive change.