The first woman to lead the Air Force Academy says she faced resistance and sexual harassment in her career, but competence and confidence helped her push through the ranks to one of the top jobs in the service.

Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson said in an interview Tuesday she isn't surprised that 32 years passed between her graduation from the academy in 1981 - in the second class to include women - and her appointment as its first female superintendent.

"It takes 32 years to make a lieutenant general," she said referring to the experience and training it takes to reach the three-star rank required for the superintendent's job.

She became superintendent on Aug. 12 at a time the military is under increasing pressure from Congress and the president to prevent sexual assaults.

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