061435Z MAR 17
MARADMIN 111/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2017 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH OBSERVANCE//
POC/M. J. SHEPPARD/CIV/UNIT: MPE/-/TEL: (703)784-9371/TEL: DSN 278-9371/TEL: COMM (703)784-9371//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  March is the month we celebrate and observe Women’s History and their contributions to our great nation.  The theme for this year’s observance is “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business.”
2.  Women first enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1918 to “free a Marine to fight,” two years before they were eligible to vote.  “Free a Marine to fight” meant that female Marines relieved male Marines for essential combat duty.  These women served in non-combat roles, mainly as clerical workers;  however, some worked as parachute riggers, mechanics, radio operators, welders, and other Military Occupation Specialties that were normally filled by male Marines.
3.  In 1948, women began serving as active duty Marines, and in 1950 the Women Reserves mobilized for the Korean War.  During this time, the Corps opened formal career training programs for female officers and technical training for enlisted.  From 1975 onward, women could be assigned to all fields except infantry, artillery, armor, pilots, and air crews.  During Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM in the early 90s, through Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM, thousands of women Marines served.
4.  In late 2015, Pentagon officials lifted gender restrictions on military service jobs/specialties.  In March 2016, all military occupations and positions were opened to women.  In keeping with this year’s theme of trailblazing women, in January 2017, three female Marines became the first females to be assigned to an infantry battalion at Camp Lejeune, NC.  They graduated from the School of Infantry and will serve as a rifleman, a machine gunner, and a mortar Marine.  As of today, female Marines serve globally, and proudly carry on the traditions of those first trailblazers as they continue to open doors for future Marines to follow.
5.  Commanders are encouraged to take time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in American history.  Commanders are further encouraged to conduct programs and promote participation in observance events both on base and in the local community, and to develop local themes for use at their commands.
6.  Release authorized by SES M. R. Strobl, Division Director, Manpower Plans and Policy, Acting.//