One of the first two women who graduated from the Marines’ Infantry Officer Course, again has made history in the Marine Corps, becoming a Platoon Leader. According to the New York Times, First Lieutenant Marina Hierl, became the first woman to lead a Marine infantry platoon.

The U.S. Marines is a very much a male-dominated organization, and the most opposed to having women perform combat roles. This development means the Marines are now adjusting to changes that that were announced by the Defense Secretary Leon Panetta during President Obama’s time, when they opened more roles in the military for women to take, including combat roles.

Her platoon belongs to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines' Echo Company which is currently in training in Australia.

The Infantry Office Course that she went through in Quantico is a grueling course as officer candidates went through 13 weeks of evaluation and long hikes that require carrying heavy loads. There were 37 women who applied for the course, and tw, including Hierl, made it through. The other female graduate was slated for intelligence school.

Hierl grew up in Bethlehem, Pa. where she worked on a horse farm while in high school.  She decided on joining the Marines upon meeting a recruiter, but her recruiter advised her to go to college which will make her a good candidate as an officer in the Marine Corps. She said she wanted to lead a platoon all this time.

Women are making strides in the various branches of the U.S. Military. There are already female graduates of the Ranger School, and the first female infantry officer. There are already female pilots in the Army and Air Force.

As for airsoft, we are seeing more participation of women. We just hope there will be more of them taking even more active roles in promoting the hobby and that these women in combat roles in the military should inspire them more.

All photos in this story by Sgt. Gregory Boyd, USMC.