In February 1943, the United States took a historic step by establishing the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. At a time when the nation faced the demands of a global conflict, women stepped forward to serve their country in new and essential ways. Their contributions strengthened the readiness of the Marine Corps and opened the door for future generations of women to serve with distinction.

The creation of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve was driven by operational need. By filling critical roles stateside, women freed more Marines for combat duty overseas. These trailblazers worked in administration, communications, logistics, intelligence, and other operational areas that were vital to the war effort. Their service demonstrated professionalism, capability, and commitment under pressure.

Recognition Without a Separate Label

On February 13, 1943, the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve was officially established as part of the Marine Corps. Early suggestions for nicknames such as “Femarines” and “Glamarines” were considered as the program launched. Marine Corps Commandant General Thomas Holcomb rejected those ideas, making it clear that the women who completed Marine Corps training would not be set apart by a separate label. They would be known simply as Marines.

Recruiting materials at the time promoted approximately 34 job opportunities for women entering the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. The reality of their contribution quickly expanded beyond those expectations. By the end of World War II, women serving in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve had trained in more than 200 different specialties. Their roles were operational and essential to daily readiness across installations.

Women in these reserve units filled critical administrative, technical, and support positions and ultimately accounted for more than half of the staff at several major Marine Corps posts. Their presence allowed more Marines to deploy forward while ensuring that stateside operations remained strong and effective.

In total, more than 23,000 women served in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve before the program was disbanded in 1946 following the end of the war. Their performance and professionalism influenced long-term policy decisions about women’s roles in uniform. Just two years later, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act was approved in 1948, allowing women to once again serve in the United States Marine Corps as part of the regular force.

The impact of these early women Marines continues to shape today’s Military. Women now serve across all branches and in a wide range of occupational specialties, including leadership roles that were once closed to them. The legacy of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve reflects the courage it took to step into unfamiliar territory and prove that dedication to mission and country defines a Marine.

A while back, we interviewed Roz Naylor, a 99-year-old former aviation machinist’s mate who served in the first regiment of the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Roz reflected on her time in the Marine Corps and her pride in serving the country during WWI. Roz’s words of wisdom to the next generation of women Service Members? “Always be prepared!” Watch the interview below.

Supporting Women Service Members Today

At Soldiers’ Angels, we support Service Members deployed around the world with care packages, letters, baked goods, and other items. Volunteers have the ability to sort the deployed list by gender and select a female Service Member if they feel called to specifically support women in uniform. Care packages sent to deployed Service Members can include essential items that help maintain readiness and day-to-day comfort, along with thoughtful additions such as pampering products and supplies that address women’s unique health and hygiene needs.

This approach ensures that every deployed Service Member is supported while still allowing volunteers to intentionally uplift women who may have specific needs during deployment. Through consistent care packages, notes of encouragement, and personal outreach, Angels continue the tradition of standing beside those who serve. Learn more about Adopting a Service Member here.

The spirit that defined the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve in 1943 continues today through acts of service that ensure women in uniform are not overlooked. Every care package, note of encouragement, and volunteer effort reinforces a shared commitment to those who serve. By honoring the history of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve and supporting today’s women Service Members, Soldiers’ Angels continues a tradition of service rooted in respect, gratitude, and a deep understanding of the needs of those who wear the uniform. Learn more about supporting Service Members and Veterans as a volunteer here.

About the Author

Ashley Ray has been a member of the Soldiers’ Angels communications team since 2013. She supports blog writing and social media and loves telling stories of Angel volunteers, Service Members, and Veterans.

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