Female Marines pass wisdom to the future of Corps
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2007) -- Since Opha Mae Johnson first enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1918, many women have earned the title of U.S. Marines and bound themselves to the Corps’ traditions and history.
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Dec. 14, 2007; Submitted on: 12/13/2007 05:52:31 PM ; Story ID#: 20071213175231
By Lance Cpl. Christopher O' Quin, MCAS Miramar
Twelve female Marines from MCAS Miramar came together to share their stories and experiences with female delayed entry program members during a luncheon held at the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting facility here Dec. 8.
“The attrition rate is higher among females, and what we wanted do was to give them a chance to see what life is like after boot camp and help them learn what to expect before they go to boot camp,” said Sgt. Maj. Dwayne W. Farr, the senior enlisted advisor for Recruiting Station San Diego.
Their day began with Gunnery Sgt. Susan R. Anderton, a military police officer and former drill instructor, giving them advice for boot camp.
“Anything to help them get ready,” said Anderton, who completed a successful drill instructor tour. “I wish those ladies luck and I want them to give it a shot.”
Following a motivation speech from Anderton, the station Marines shared stories of their Marine Corps career.
As the day ended, Anderton came back to speak to the enlistees, this time not like a drill instructor, but as a senior enlisted Marine.
“It was surprising to see a drill instructor here, said Nancy Scott, an enlistee who wishes to work in the aviation community. “It was also nice to get answers to all my questions about boot camp and get that confidence boost from these Marines who went through boot camp.”
These enlistees will ship to boot camp over the course of this fiscal year.
After earning the title, some of these future Marines may serve under the very Marines who shared their stories and some pizza with them.