Intro
Empower your career in the US military with our comprehensive guide to Women in the Marines. Discover the requirements, eligibility, and opportunities for female Marines. Learn about enlistment, officer programs, and specializations, including combat roles. Get insider knowledge on what it takes to serve in the Marine Corps as a woman.
Serving in the United States Marine Corps is a prestigious honor that requires dedication, perseverance, and a strong sense of patriotism. While the Marines have traditionally been a male-dominated branch, women have been serving in various roles since 1918. Today, women play a vital role in the Marines, and their contributions are invaluable to the success of the Corps.
The number of women serving in the Marines has been steadily increasing over the years, and they now make up approximately 9% of the total force. Women serve in a wide range of military occupational specialties (MOS), from combat roles to administrative and support positions. However, the road to becoming a Marine is challenging, and women must meet the same rigorous standards as their male counterparts.
To be eligible to join the Marines, women must meet specific requirements, which are outlined below.
Basic Requirements
To be considered for enlistment in the Marines, women must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 17 and 28 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Score a minimum of 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Pass a physical fitness test (PFT)
- Meet the Marine Corps' body fat percentage requirements
Physical Fitness Requirements
Physical fitness is a crucial aspect of being a Marine, and women must meet the same standards as men. The Marine Corps' physical fitness test consists of three events:
- Pull-ups (or a flexed-arm hang)
- Crunches
- A 3-mile run
Women must perform a minimum of 3 pull-ups (or a 15-second flexed-arm hang), 44 crunches in 2 minutes, and complete the 3-mile run in 28 minutes or less.
Body Fat Percentage Requirements
The Marine Corps has strict body fat percentage requirements, which vary depending on age and height. Women must meet the following body fat percentage requirements:
- Ages 17-20: 24% body fat or less
- Ages 21-27: 26% body fat or less
- Ages 28-39: 28% body fat or less
- Ages 40-49: 30% body fat or less
Officer Candidate Requirements
Women who wish to become officers in the Marine Corps must meet additional requirements, including:
- Holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Completing Officer Candidates School (OCS)
- Passing the Marine Corps' physical fitness test
- Meeting the Marine Corps' body fat percentage requirements
Specialized Training
After completing boot camp and officer training, women may undergo specialized training in their chosen MOS. Some examples of specialized training for women in the Marines include:
- Combat training
- Intelligence gathering and analysis
- Communications and electronics
- Medical and dental training
Gallery of Women in the Marines
Women in the Marines Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women serve in combat roles in the Marines?
+Yes, women can serve in combat roles in the Marines. In 2015, the Marine Corps lifted its ban on women serving in combat roles, and women are now eligible to serve in all MOS.
Do women have to meet the same physical fitness standards as men in the Marines?
+Yes, women must meet the same physical fitness standards as men in the Marines. The Marine Corps' physical fitness test consists of three events: pull-ups (or a flexed-arm hang), crunches, and a 3-mile run.
Can women become officers in the Marines?
+Yes, women can become officers in the Marines. Women must meet the same requirements as men to become officers, including holding a bachelor's degree and completing Officer Candidates School (OCS).
In conclusion, serving in the Marines is a challenging and rewarding experience for women. To be eligible, women must meet specific requirements, including passing the physical fitness test, meeting body fat percentage requirements, and completing specialized training. With the lifting of the ban on women serving in combat roles, women now have more opportunities than ever to serve in the Marines and make a meaningful contribution to the Corps.