This one's for the girls

Up this morning to watch/video PT for the female Recruits at Parris Island.

It was freezing outside, but only to us. You couldn't see the Recruits reaction to the weather conditions at all. Just on their task at hand.

Amazing.

Ladies, just in case you are wondering, the women obviously physically fit... basic exercises getting it done... lunges, planks and running. Simple and effective.

After that we had the chance to tour the female squad bay. About 80 girls to a room and completely lacking of chaos. I think it has a lot to do with some of the first words I heard during the yellow footprints and words we've all heard if you play sports.

There is no "I" in team. When referring to themselves, Recruits say "This Recruit" not I or me. When referencing other Recruits its the same no pronouns. Drill Instructors (not Drill Sergeants, those are in the U.S. Army) say by making this simple change it helps Recruits get out of a "ME" attitude and focus on the team.


It is impressive to see all of the women here. I've learned a lot about hairstyles, grooming and how the Marines who happen to be girls are feminine, confident women. The military isn't just a man's world. And you can have the balance of serving your country without the sacrifice of motherhood, being a wife or painting your nails red!

Major Quinn who is the CO (commanding officer) of the Louisville, KY recruiting station has answered so many questions for me. He served in Iraq and is now helping with recruiting with Marines like Sgt. Jackson (the Public Affairs Marine who invited Fox19 on the trip). I've learned a lot about women in the military this week. Even a new term coined for female Marines who were serving during some of the bloodiest fighting in Iraq.


Lioness.


Marines are sometimes called Bulldogs, these ladies though a Lioness. They work with the tribes and civilians to bring a type of compassion, strength and fierce intensity that a man can't. How bout that?


I even found a film about these women. Check out the link above. It just came out in 2010.

It is true, there are some MOSs (jobs) that females are not permitted to do in the USMC.

However, I learned this week that even though boys have more choices in the MOS, sometimes the girl is just the better fit.