On a blustery day in November 2014, the Marine Corps got its first glimpse into how it was going with women in ground combat units. Surprises abounded, not all of them welcome. It began nearly three years earlier. If you remember from How It All Began, the Military Leadership Diversity Commission (MLDC) had recommended the … Continue reading First Steps
Author: Beth W.
The Infantry Marine Course
This post may seem a bit out of place chronologically. But I had the opportunity to visit the Marine Corps' infantry training course recently, and I wanted to share the experience with you. Next post, we will resume our journey at the beginning. The Marine Corps that I know doesn't just invite people to its … Continue reading The Infantry Marine Course
How It All Began
How did it all begin? What was the impetus for integrating women into the infantry? Well, gender integration tends to follow a regular pattern: War/Combat operations - Increased manpower needs usher in a new era of women's participation;They perform well;Congress and/or the Defense Department consider making temporary changes permanent;The military services pushback;Congress and/or the Defense … Continue reading How It All Began
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A Little About Me
My Marine Corps journey began as many others have. I was looking for a way out of my old life. I was looking to grab that first rung to the ladder of a new life. My senior year of high school, a friend told me about ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) scholarships. He told me … Continue reading A Little About Me
Additional Resources – Women in Ground Combat Arms
This post includes much of the background research which the Marine Corps gathered related to integrating women into the ground combat arms. As part of the overall research effort, the Marine Corps pulled on research already available regarding gender. We looked at allied nations, previous gender integration efforts and to history. These studies are available … Continue reading Additional Resources – Women in Ground Combat Arms
Studies & Reports – Women in Ground Combat Arms
This post lists all the research the Marine Corps commissioned or conducted related to gender integration in the ground combat arms. This list represents tens of millions of dollars dedicated, years spent and hundreds of people's time and effort. The list is arranged alphabetically, by the organization which conducted the research. All studies are located … Continue reading Studies & Reports – Women in Ground Combat Arms
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My Intent with This Book
When I joined the Marine Corps Force Innovation Office (MCFIO) in June 2014, I had been a Marine for fourteen years. I loved the Marine Corps, and did not hesitate to tell anyone that I had had a great career. I had been fortunate in that I had always felt part of the team, that … Continue reading My Intent with This Book
Answering the Nation’s Call for 100 Years
As the Marine Corps celebrated 100 years of women's service, I submitted the below to an essay competition held by the Women Marines Association. I have attempted to squeeze a century's worth of history into just a few hundred words. I hope you enjoy. Originally employed as an emergency wartime measure, women have grown from … Continue reading Answering the Nation’s Call for 100 Years
Research into Women and Ground Combat: A (relatively short) History of MCFIO
In January 2016, I finished my tenure with the Marine Corps Force Innovation Office (MCFIO). The office was charged with conducting research, asking questions, synthesizing the conclusions and eventually making policy about women in the ground combat arms. It was the most difficult tour of my entire Marine Corps career – not Iraq or Afghanistan, … Continue reading Research into Women and Ground Combat: A (relatively short) History of MCFIO
Breaking Into the Brotherhood 