First 3 female Marines complete infantry training

[davidn3600]

CAMP GEIGER, N.C. (AP) — Three Marines have become the first women to graduate from the Corps' tough-as-nails enlisted infantry training school in North Carolina, officials said Thursday.

The three completed the 59-day course and met the same test standards as the men, said Marine Corps spokeswoman Capt. Geraldine Carey.

The course includes a grueling 12-mile march with an 80-pound pack and a variety of combat fitness tests such as timed combat shuttle runs, timed ammunition container lifts and tests that simulate running under combat fire.

The step comes as the Marine Corps continues to evaluate where women might serve in combat. Earlier this year, the Pentagon lifted the ban on women serving in combat jobs, but each of the service branches is developing how this might be accomplished.

http://news.yahoo.com/1st-3-women-marines-graduate-infantry-course-005023709.html

15 women attempted the course, 3 finished.

Pvt. 1st Class Julia Carroll, 18, of Idaho Falls, Idaho
Pvt. 1st Class Cristina Fuentes Monternegro, 25, of Coral Springs, Fla
Pvt. 1st Class Katie Gorz, 19, of St. Paul, Minn

[JanMichael]

1. Damn. Great work. nt.

[vt_native]

2. That is quite an accomplishment

Very impressive

[BainsBane]

4. suddenly it's impressive?

A couple of hours ago you said they were ignorant.

[russspeakeasy]

3. That is absolutely amazing.

I went through it. I wouldn't have believed it. Congratulations !!

[mythology]

5. I mean this in the nicest possible way

Damn those women are badass. Now if we can just get over the idea that women are incapable of serving in all military roles (irrespective of the fact that we should be using our military less, particularly in combat).