1943-1948: Marine Corps Women's Reserve

Women have been proving their strength as Marines since Opha Mae Johnson enlisted in 1913, but it wasn't until 1943 that the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve was officially established.  
 
By the end of World War II, more than 20,000 women had served in the Marine Corps. While their predecessors did mainly clerical work, these Marines took on additional roles including parachute riggers, mechanics, mapmakers and welders.  
 
In 1948, women were officially integrated into all United States Armed Forces. Today, regardless of gender, every Marine serves proudly and capably in whatever capacity the Marine Corps requires.