Who was the first woman to enlist in the Marines, and in what year did this occur?

Who was the first woman to enlist in the Marines, and in what year did this occur?

• A. Pvt Jane Doe, 1919
• B. Pvt Opha Mae Johnson, 1918
• C. Pvt Mary Lee, 1920
• D. Pvt Susan Adams, 1917

Answer: (B)

The key idea is recognizing the historic entry of a woman into the Marine Corps during World War I. In 1918, the Marine Corps created a Women’s Reserve to take on administrative and support duties so more men could go to combat. Opha Mae Johnson enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve as a Private, becoming the first woman to serve as a Marine. Her enlistment in 1918 set the milestone that this question highlights, making her the correct reference for who was the first woman to enlist in the Marines and in what year.

The key idea is recognizing the historic entry of a woman into the Marine Corps during World War I. In 1918, the Marine Corps created a Women’s Reserve to take on administrative and support duties so more men could go to combat. Opha Mae Johnson enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve as a Private, becoming the first woman to serve as a Marine. Her enlistment in 1918 set the milestone that this question highlights, making her the correct reference for who was the first woman to enlist in the Marines and in what year.