5 Ways Women Join Marines

Introduction to Joining the Marines

Women have been an integral part of the Marine Corps since 1918, serving in various roles and capacities. Today, women can join the Marines in several ways, each with its own set of requirements and opportunities. Whether you’re interested in serving as an officer or an enlisted Marine, there are numerous paths to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways women can join the Marines, including the requirements, benefits, and career opportunities available to them.

Way 1: Enlisted Marine

To become an enlisted Marine, women must meet the basic requirements, which include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 28, and having a high school diploma. They must also pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and complete a physical fitness test. Enlisted Marines can choose from a variety of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), such as administration, communications, and healthcare. Women can also opt for combat roles, including infantry, artillery, and armor.

Way 2: Officer Candidate

Women who want to become officers in the Marine Corps can do so through the Officer Candidate School (OCS). To be eligible, they must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, be a U.S. citizen, and meet the physical fitness standards. Officer candidates must also complete a 10-week training program, which includes leadership development, tactical training, and physical fitness exercises. Women can choose from various officer specialties, including aviation, logistics, and intelligence.

Way 3: Marine Corps Reserve

The Marine Corps Reserve offers women the opportunity to serve part-time while pursuing their civilian careers. To join the Reserve, women must meet the basic requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and having a high school diploma. They must also pass the ASVAB test and complete a physical fitness test. Reserve Marines can choose from various MOS, including administration, communications, and healthcare. Women can also participate in drill weekends and annual training exercises to maintain their skills and stay connected with the Marine Corps community.

Way 4: Marine Corps Scholarship Program

The Marine Corps offers several scholarship programs for women who want to pursue higher education while serving in the Corps. The Navy and Marine Corps Scholarship Program provides full tuition and fees for women who attend participating colleges and universities. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation also offers scholarships to children of Marines, including women who are pursuing higher education. These programs provide women with the opportunity to pursue their academic goals while serving their country.

Way 5: Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) Program

The Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) Program is a summer training program for college students who want to become officers in the Marine Corps. Women can apply for the PLC program during their sophomore or junior year of college and attend a 10-week training session during the summer. The program includes leadership development, tactical training, and physical fitness exercises. Women who complete the PLC program can return to their colleges and universities, and upon graduation, they can be commissioned as officers in the Marine Corps.

👩 Note: Women who are interested in joining the Marines should research the different paths and requirements to find the one that best fits their goals and interests.

To summarize, women can join the Marines in several ways, including as enlisted Marines, officer candidates, Reserve Marines, scholarship recipients, or PLC program participants. Each path offers unique opportunities and challenges, and women should carefully consider their options before making a decision. By joining the Marine Corps, women can develop valuable skills, serve their country, and become part of a proud tradition of leadership and service.