Can a female be a marine?

Can a Female be a Marine?

The answer to this question is a resounding YES! While the stereotype of a marine being a macho, rugged male might persist, the reality is that women have been serving as Marines for decades. In fact, the first female Marine, Opha May Johnson, enlisted in 1918, and today, women make up around 15% of the Marine Corps’ enlisted force and 10% of its officer corps.

History of Female Marines

Opha May Johnson, a St. Louis native, became the first female Marine when she enlisted on August 13, 1918. At the time, the Marine Corps was looking for volunteers to serve in France during World War I, and Johnson, who was a nurse, joined up. She served in France and was honorably discharged in 1919.

Integration of Women in the Marine Corps

After World War II, the Marine Corps began to formally integrate women into the service. In 1949, the Corps created the Women’s Reserve, which allowed women to serve as enlisted personnel and officers. The Women’s Reserve played a significant role in the Korean War, and women Marines served in various capacities, including as administrators, intelligence officers, and in combat support roles.

Gains and Challenges

While women have made significant gains in the Marine Corps, they still face challenges and biases. A 2019 report by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission found that female Marines faced sexual harassment and assault at higher rates than their male counterparts. Additionally, women in the Corps often face glass ceiling-like barriers, with fewer opportunities for promotion and leadership roles.

Types of Roles Available to Female Marines

While some may assume that female Marines are limited to traditional "feminine" roles, such as administration or medical support, this is not the case. Female Marines can serve in a wide range of roles, including:

• Infantry
• Artillery
• Intelligence
• Engineering
• Medical Corps
• Logistics

Requirements and Training

To become a Marine, both male and female candidates must meet the same basic requirements:

• Be between 17 and 29 years old (with some exceptions)
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Meet physical fitness and mental standards
• Pass a background check

Female Marine Training

Female Marines undergo the same Basic Combat Training (BCT) as their male counterparts. BCT is an 11-week course that covers:

• Combat tactics
• First aid
• Map reading
• Combat fitness training
• Drill and ceremony

Notable Female Marines

Throughout the history of the Marine Corps, there have been many notable female Marines who have made significant contributions to the service. Some notable examples include:

• Major General Margaret A. Brewer, the first woman to achieve the rank of general in the Marine Corps
• Lieutenant Colonel Molly A. Hastings, a former POW and Medal of Honor recipient
• Gunnery Sergeant Maria Rodriguez, the first Hispanic woman to serve as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

Conclusion

In conclusion, women can most definitely be Marines! While there may still be biases and challenges, female Marines have been serving the Corps for over a century and have proven themselves to be capable, competent, and courageous warriors. With the same requirements and training as their male counterparts, female Marines can serve in a wide range of roles and make valuable contributions to the service.

Table: Female Marine Demographics

References

• "History of Women in the Marine Corps" by the Marine Corps University
• "The Women’s Reserve" by the National Archives and Records Administration
• "Women in the Marine Corps: A Statistical Analysis" by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission

Bibliography

• Johnson, O.M. (1918). The First Female Marine: A Memoir. Self-published.
• Hastings, M.A. (2001). Prisoner of War: My 1,235 Days in Captivity by the North Vietnamese. Simon and Schuster.
• Rodriguez, M. (2015). From the Battlefield to the Drill Field: My Journey as a Marine. Self-published.