Marines Will Train Female Recruits in Combat Techniques

WASHINGTON —  The Marine Corps has decided to prepare female recruits for combat.

Because women can be assigned to support units that might unexpectedly come under fire, and because there is always a danger of terrorist activities, “they must be trained in defensive techniques and operations in the event of unforeseen hostile activity,” said Marine Corps Commandant Paul X. Kelley in an order outlining the new policy.

He stressed that the changes do not relax the ban on women serving in combat units.

For the first time, all female Marine recruits must qualify in using the M-16 rifle, learn fighting positions, “cover, concealment and camouflage” and how to handle hand grenades, mines and booby traps. Nuclear, biological and chemical defenses also will be covered, along with using deadly force as part of guard duties.

Although it is not required, female Marines will also be eligible to receive training on “night detection and observation, installation and operation of Claymore mines, and defensive hand-to-hand combat.”

Kelley’s order was distributed throughout the Marine Corps in late May, setting an effective date of Oct. 1, a Marine spokesman said Wednesday.

Although focusing on recruits, Kelley’s order also covers women already in the corps. They will be expected to receive weapons instruction as their units undergo updated training.

The changes outlined by Kelley are similar to those already followed by the Army. Under a system instituted in 1982, female soldiers face different physical standards but undergo the same basic weapons training as their male colleagues.