Defense & Intelligence Policy, Business and Technology

The Marines Finally Have Their First Female Infantry Officer

Government Executive: The Marine Corps got its first-ever female infantry officer this week when a lieutenant completed a grueling 13-week course. Compared to the rest of the US military, the Marines have the smallest share of women among its ranks, and are known to have a particularly male-centric, if not misogynistic, culture.

The lieutenant, who wants to keep her identity private, was among 88 Marines who completed the Infantry Officer Course (IOC) out of 131 who started it in July. As the Washington Post noted in first reporting the story, the course is considered one of the toughest training regimens in the American armed forces.

Her first assignment will be at Camp Pendleton, California, and she is expected to lead a 40-person platoon.

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