Corporal Cannon: A Female Marine in Afghanistan

by Savannah Cannon

“...a dramatic, sobering account of prejudice and the mistreatment of women in combat zones." - Publishers Weekly

Distinguished Favorite, Military Nonfiction, 2023 NYC Big Book Awards

Not even old enough to drink, Corporal Savannah Cannon is a young enlisted United States Marine deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2010. As a tactical data networking specialist, she is sent away from everyone she knows and attached to a Regimental Combat Team where women are not allowed to repair communications. Her experiences over the next few months shed light on the unique and difficult positions women are placed in when supporting combat roles, while offering a raw look at the painful choices women must sometimes make.

Cannon finds herself in a combat zone, ostracized from family, friends, and even her fellow Marines as the men are told to avoid her. The connections she makes are born from trauma and desperation and the choices she makes will echo throughout many lives.

Corporal Cannon is not the story of a heroine; it is the hard-hitting account of just one of the flawed individuals who make up the United States’ fighting forces. Mistakes in the battlefield can have dire consequences, personally and professionally. Reflecting on her time in service, the author weaves a story of past and present, and the healing that can come with admitting our mistakes and moving past them.

Genres: Military Fiction

264 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2022

Reviews

[Sabrina Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw, heart-wrenching window into the experiences of Corporal Cannon's time in the U.S. Marine Corps. It is hard to imagine what it would be like to be in active duty for a regular civilian, but it is especially difficult for women. Cannon sheds light on the treatment, which is at best dismal, that she received in Afghanistan. Every American should read this book and make it a priority to acknowledge these experiences in hopes that change will ensue. I admire Cannon immensely for having the courage to share these extremely personal experiences.

[AJ Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid memoir. Savannah details her unique experience of her time as a female Marine on deployment in Afghanistan. What stuck with me most is the torment and weight that war veterans have to carry for the rest of their lives. It seems no one is truly prepared for war and it's everlasting fallout.

3.5/5 🌟

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not old enough to drink but old enough to go to war, one where women weren’t supposed to be up front but sometimes necessity takes precedence in any military operation. But what no female soldier or sailor ever asked for or expected was to be sexually assaulted by her peers, and worse how some higher ups tried to stop it before it happened by isolating that female till all she has is herself, put that on top of little sleep and long shifts with no one ever to talk too, and they wonder why there are problems. Female soldiers and sailors hide a lot already, afraid if they go to sick call they will be known as weak (a guy must be really hurt), if they report sexual assault they are the ones to be in reprimanded (and usually are). It is a culture and no matter how prepared it will happen so women try to keep their head down and do their time so they don’t lose their benefits or more. I don’t think there is a servicewoman out there that wasn’t exposed to some of this. Her story is our story and I am glad she wrote it, and told it so well.
This is a story I am glad was told, every time I see on the news that they have passed newer and better rules in the military about sexual assault reporting all I can do is shake my head, in this wonderfully told story mistakes were made on all sides but in reality, it should have never happened in the first place. #iamvanessa

[Tea Music · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corporal Cannon is moving and thought provoking. I’ve read the book several times and with each read, my emotions grow stronger - compassion, sorrow, anger and hatred. It is so sad to see how easily people can – intentionally and unintendedly – destroy a person’s life. There are many takeaways and lessons from this book for all readers. This book is Savannah’s raw and true story, but it really could be anyone. It could be your neighbor, your best friend, your coworker. It teaches us that we truly don’t know what happens behind closed doors and in people’s minds. It reminds us that we should be kind to everyone and not to let your past experiences with individuals determine how you will treat others who fit into the same category. Savannah has show us that determination can also prevail. Her strength and mental fortitude is extraordinary. What would I have done in her circumstances; I think to myself. I have doubts I could have held up as she did. She was thrown to the wolves time and time again. If we are truthful with ourselves, the majority of us would have given up. It’s sad to say. Let her story bring us all the knowledge that we can persevere through the most difficult times, when we are at the lowest points of our lives, when life is not worth living anymore. You can make it through to the other side and prosper. Bottom line - this book is a must-read for all.

[Montana Hamby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of a young woman’s experience in the Marines is perhaps one of the most honest and raw narratives you will read. I could not help but read about the realities of the girl who grew up down the road from me living through the traumas of war at the age of 20 while I was spending my time own days in college classes and with friends. Corporal Cannon presents the day to day or night to nights as if you are there in the moment, delusional from the heat, night shifts, and time zone changes.

Savannah stands out as a brave woman in the Marines willing to tell her story without holding back true emotion or details. Her story stands at the center of a greater story that paints a grim picture for the sexism, misogyny, and hyper masculinity that the military exudes. Her story is one of many that are hidden, shamed, and ridiculed in efforts to keep these truths from being told.

Bold. Brave. Brilliant. Proud to know you Savannah. Proud of the Marine you were, are, and will be as you continue to share your story.

You had me when you brought back the memories of the floor being lava on the school bus all the years ago.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corporal Cannon is a compelling and heart-wrenching book that is a far more accurate recounting of women’s experiences in the military than most would like to acknowledge. Faced with harassment and innumerable challenges, she encounters lazy, disinterested leadership from the kind of banal officers that are, unfortunately, the more common kind than the leaders whose books provide the average person their glimpse into the military.
Cannon tells her story exceedingly well as she manages to walk a tightrope of military rules and regulations that discourage her (and others like her) from seeking the help and support she deserved. Her experiences belie the oft spouted paean of the Services - that “our sailors, soldiers, airmen, and marines are our most valuable resource.”
I hope real leaders read this book and use their positions to institute real change that pays more than lip service to that notion.

[Richard White]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I know it was written from a females perspective and I understand it was written as a form of therapy. Men also suffer some of the things discussed in the book and there is no mention of that. I am on the fence as to why she did not report the harassment/ sexual assaults however I do know the military often does over look things so nothing would happen to the persons doing theses things. I do understand the trauma that Corporal/ Sgt. Cannon endured. It is sad that we were involved in Afghanistan and walked away losing the battle/war. There are many wounded warriors out there who need help but do not get it. This book should be read by females military and civilian alike so that they know they are not alone in their experiences and there is support from a very large community.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As non-military, I think we can all agree—we know it was bad overseas. But this book was the reality check I didn’t know I needed. The details & way it is written really helps you understand how much we don’t understand what military deal with, but also helps you grasp just how difficult it is overseas. Cannon helps you understand how human and real the people fighting for our freedom are. I truly felt like I knew the author on another level by the end of the book due to the nature of events she’s experienced. 100000% recommend this book to everyone—military or civilian, I think it’s something we all need to read. I learned SO much & truly appreciated hearing from a female marine’s perspective. READ IT. DO IT.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author, Savannah Cannon, does not pull her punches with her memoir, “Corporal Cannon: A Female Marine in Afghanistan.”

I imagine that readers, especially female service members, will react strongly, one way or another, to Mrs. Cannon’s blunt honesty.

Her story brought me to tears at least twice!

But no one can say that Savannah Cannon hid from the truth or downplayed her humanity.

It took guts to write what she did, and I applaud Savannah Cannon for her efforts to heal and get closure by sharing her story of the traumatic events that took place during and after her deployment to Afghanistan.

[Shelly Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely captivated by this heartbreaking yet incredible story! My eyes have certainly been opened concerning the plight of females in the military. I am filled with respect for Savannah Cannon and the many others she represents through her writing.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!! I could not put it down. It is honest, raw and straightforward. The description and delivery of the story sucks you in and pulls at that common thread of embrace the suck that many of us have experienced.

[Virginia Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannahs book is gut wrenching and definitely a fascinating read. She pulls no punches on herself either with the rawness of the story. I recommend to anyone who is curious about the female side of war.

[TAMMARA Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for your truth.

[Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

No one truly understands the difficulties females face in the military.