How to Succeed as a Woman in the Marine Corps

Beyond a doubt, the military is a man’s world--especially the Marine Corps. Not only are women in the minority, they are barred from various areas of military work and life. However, just as the role of women has changed in society, the role of women has changed in the military. Women are becoming essential components of the Marine Corps, and while it’s not easy to survive as a female on the “tip of the spear,” you’ll never look back when you do succeed.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Avoid special treatment. The lack of physical and emotional strength is the main reason female Marines are considered burdens rather than assets. Sadly, this assumption is held by both those in the Marine Corps and those outside of it. While there are some drills that men will perform better than women, holding women to lower standards only hurts the unit as a whole. From the first day of basic training, women are expected to perform worse than men; in fact, a passing physical fitness score for a female Marine is a failing grade for her male counterpart. If you want to succeed as a female Marine rather than simply get by, don’t take this bait. Hold yourself to the male standards, not the female standards, and don’t take any offers of special treatment. You will earn the respect of your drill sergeants and your fellow Marines, including the men.

2. Report sexual harassment. While striving to rise above the female standards and special treatment is important, there may come a time when you do need to speak up. Sexual harassment is prevalent in the military, especially in the Marine Corps, but that doesn’t make it right. You want to be seen as a Marine foremost, not as a women, but if your fellow Marines and superiors are constantly addressing your gender, especially in derogatory ways, you’ll never be able to succeed. While you may be afraid of being seen as weak, remember this--if other Marines are focusing on you, they’re probably not focusing on their jobs.

3. Volunteer for advanced training. There are various special assignments available to Marines. While some of these are not open to women, such as reconnaissance, others are. These advanced training programs are usually more physically intensive and emotionally strenuous than basic training or daily operations, and they rarely have different standards for women. There is nothing more admirable than a female Marine volunteering for Army Airborne School--it’s hard to argue that women parachuting from planes don’t belong in the military.

4. Establish a support network. Men naturally form a camaraderie, but sometimes female Marines are left out of their jokes and games. As a female Marine, do yourself a favor--bond with other female Marines. You all have experienced the same hardships and discrimination, successes and failures. By forming a stronger group, you will be stronger individuals.

5. Stay connected. Female military personnel especially leave a lot behind. Friends, parents, significant others and children all remain at home while you train at boot camp or begin your first deployment. Calm them, write to them, do whatever you can to stay connected--in the end, they are both your foundation and the people you are fighting for. They are the inspiration for a job well done.

Tips & Warnings

• Above all, always try your best. The role of women in the Marine Corps, and in the military in general, is under close scrutiny. Many people are uncomfortable with the thought of women dying on the front lines and believe that women are incapable of fighting wars. But if female soldiers are ever going to earn their place in infantry, reconnaissance and special forces, current soldiers have to prove that they belong there.
• While you should never use your femininity as an excuse, you should never lose it either. The Marine Corps will harden you, tame you and change you forever, but it should never masculinize you. The female Marine should be proud of her femininity, not ashamed of it.

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