AN OVERVIEW OF JOBS IN THE MARINE CORPS FOR FEMALES

The few and the proud get even smaller when looking at U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) women. While women are beginning to be retained more than men in the branch, only about 9% of Marines are female. However, jobs in the Marine Corps for females continue to take strides, opening up more opportunities for employment in varying roles. Here’s everything you need to know about the available military occupational specialties (MOS) you’ll find when enlisting as a Devil Dog.

Facts About Jobs in the Marine Corps for Females

Marine Corps jobs for women have come a long way, with 93% of every occupational field available, equating to a total of 62% of all positions available. Additionally, each MOS remains available for female fighters.

However, it was only FY 2024 before Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego integrated women for training.

While this is ahead of schedule, which was first projected by fall 2026, it’s still taken a while considering the USMC has been around since 1775.

Still, progress late is better than never, evidenced in more recent times with Maria Daume becoming the first female Marine to join the infantry, blazing the trail in 2017.

Efforts continue to find ways to better prepare women for serving in the Marines, a path that is earned, not given.

MOS Opportunities for Women in the Marines

Depending on the role you wish to fulfill, you may face obstacles in finding the right job in the USMC.

There are standards and requirements regardless of your gender that you’ll need to fulfill before being assigned to a MOS, including:

• The score you get on the ASVAB.
• Your MOS aptitude area scores.
• How you perform during the Initial Strength Test (IST).
• The general needs of the U.S. military at the time.

With that being said, there are several places, in which women can find occupations within the Marine Corps:

• Aviation
• Communications and Information
• Cybersecurity
• Engineering
• Field Artillery
• Food Service
• Healthcare/Medical
• Infantry
• Intelligence
• Legal/JAG Services
• Meteorology and Oceanography
• Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR)
• Motor Transport
• Translation/Interpretation

These are just a few examples of broader needs the USMC has where women can be of service.

Jobs in the Marine Corps for females continue to open up as more forward-thinking policies are put into place.

Reenlisting as Infantry

It doesn’t matter what your gender is, if you’re looking for a long career in infantry for the Marines, you need to be prepared.

The physical and mental demands are not for everyone, as staying ready takes a lot out of you day in and day out.

Furthermore, even if you wish to reenlist, that doesn’t mean the USMC will let you. Most first-year infantry Marines aren’t selected to come back.

Thankfully, women are allowed to serve in this capacity these days; however, other MOS typically provide alternative occupation opportunities.

Jobs in the Marine Corps for Females Evolve with Changing Warfare and Mindsets

From a physical standpoint, in general terms, men are equipped to take on such challenges in ways women cannot; however, this doesn’t mean female fighters are not capable.

Fortunately, mindsets and policies have changed to become more inclusive, creating a stronger fighting force through diversity.

Best of all, this diversity is deserved and earned through rigorous training and high standards that must be met by both genders.

Furthermore, less physically demanding jobs in the Marine Corps for females are also more and more common with the evolution of technology.

The jobs in the Marine Corps for females help the USMC maintain its branch even further, thanks to a combination of changes in technology along with effort and investment pushing MOS forward for women.

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Sources:

Women in the Marine Corps, USMCU. Accessed August 2024. https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/People/Women-in-the-Marine-Corps/

FAQs, Marines. Accessed August 2024. https://www.marines.com/explore-the-corps/frequently-asked-questions.html

Female Marine Trailblazer Graduates From Infantry School, VOA. Accessed August 2024. https://www.voanews.com/a/female-marine-trailblazer-graduates-from-infantry-school/3779372.html

Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), Marines. Accessed August 2024. https://www.marines.com/about-the-marine-corps/roles/military-occupational-specialty.html