SEPTEMBER 26, 2017, Quantico, VA – A female Marine officer made history today at Quantico, Va. by completing the Infantry Officer Course and earning the infantry officer military occupational specialty.
The lieutenant, who asked to keep her identity private, is the first female officer to successfully complete the course since the Marine Corps opened all military occupational specialties to women in April 2016.
“I am proud of this officer and those in her class who have earned the infantry officer MOS,” said Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller.
Infantry Officer Course is the MOS-producing school for Marine Corps infantry officers and the prerequisite course for ground intelligence officers. The grueling 13-week course trains and educates newly selected infantry and ground intelligence officers in leadership, infantry skills, and character required to serve as infantry platoon commanders in the operating forces.
One hundred and thirty-one Marines started the course in July, and 88 graduated today.
“Marines expect and rightfully deserve competent and capable leaders, and these IOC graduates met every training requirement as they prepare for the next challenge of leading infantry Marines; ultimately, in combat,” said Neller.
Her follow-on assignment is to 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The first woman to complete Infantry Officer Course graduated on Sept. 25, 2017 at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. The video shows U.S. Marines participating in a final exercise during the Infantry Officer Course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Sept. 18, 2017. (Footage by Sgt. Gregory Boyd and Sgt. Eric Laclair)
For additional information, please contact Training and Education Command Public Affairs at (703) 432-8420/8164.
Courtesy Story
Office of Marine Corps Communication