Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 11/14/2007

Question
I've doing some research on all the different military branches and finally picked to be a marine.  The problem is i don't know what career to go into.  I wonder and can't seem to find the qualifications for security can i do this job being a female?  I understand the military structure and all i have gone to a Grizzly Youth Academy a while back.  The marine recruiters here kind of frustrate me they can't really answer my questions right on the spot and have seem to ask around and you please write me back with some info and advice.

Answer
Dear Cristina --

You and the recruiters may be somewhat at odds.  You want to do something you are interested in and will be good at, and they want to fill the next most important empty billet (job position).  This is true of recruiters in all the services.

The Marine enlisted specialties are combat arms, combat service support, aviation support, and computer, communications, intelligence and electronics (CCIE).  If you want the security of information and plans, then you would want service in CCIE.  If you want the type of security that a police officer provides, you would want to go combat service support.

Not all jobs or all positions are open to women Marines.  However, 63% of all Marine enlisted billets are open to women.  If you are determined to be a Marine, find a recruiter you like and can talk to, and work through all your questions.  Women still make up less that 15% of the military as a whole, so your recruiters do not always know, if a job is open to a woman.  They have to do research.  Be patient while they find the answer to your questions.

If a job you are interested in and qualified for exists, but is not immediately available, wait.  Different jobs open up every day.  Don't let a recruiter convince you to take a job that does not suit you.  A job that suits you will likely come open within 90 days; keep checking.

Feel free to write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you on becoming a Marine.