Navigation
Join our brand new verified AMN Telegram channel and get important news uncensored!
  •  

This is the Marine Corps’ first female infantry officer

September 25, 2017

A female Marine graduated from the Corps’ grueling Infantry Officer Course Monday, marking a historic feat as the first woman to earn the 0302 infantry officer military occupational specialty.

The woman, who has asked to keep her identity private, will now be assigned to the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California, the service said in a release.

“I am proud of this officer and those in her class‎ who have earned the infantry officer MOS,” Marine Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said in a statement.

Infantry Officer Course is one of the Corps’ toughest schools, where officers learn combat skills, patrolling, and leadership over 13 weeks of training. Just 88 Marines graduated from the latest class, which started with 131 students.

IOC was first opened to women in 2012 so that Marine leaders could research the feasibility of integrating all-male infantry units. Eventually, the Pentagon removed all restrictions on women in 2015.

Since the course opened up, more than 30 female officers have attempted it and failed. Meanwhile, a handful of enlisted female Marines have been able to graduate from the Corps’ Infantry Training Battalion.

“This is such a huge deal,” Kate Germano, a retired lieutenant colonel who previously commanded the all-female 4th Recruit Training Battalion, wrote on Twitter.

The Corps released a short video with clips of the female lieutenant during the course:

More from Business Insider:

How the US could prevent a North Korean nuclear strike — according to a former Marine and cyberwarfare expert

Trader Joe’s workers and customers reveal their 56 favorite items

These before-and-after photos show how much fast food has changed over the years

The 50 worst TV shows in modern history, according to critics

Melania Trump’s $3,000 pink dress reveals a key difference between her and Michelle Obama