The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan provides a five-year road map for the Marine Corps to evaluate and improve in the areas of recruiting and accession, talent management, education and training, and commandership. The DEI Strategic Plan supports alignment, synchronization, and resourcing of disparate efforts; identification of new initiatives; and assignment of DEI oversight responsibilities across the Marine Corps. Ultimately, the plan seeks to promote inclusion to enhance warfighting effectiveness and inspire leaders to leverage all of the talent available across our ranks to build the high-performing force required to attack the complex problems of the future. MPE is currently working through an updated DEI Strategic Plan to be published around December 2024.
The Marine Corps has established diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core concept in the talent management system. Every Marine has a unique personal background that shapes their outlook, patterns of thought, talents, and strengths. The Corps benefits when it attracts and retains Marines, Sailors, and Civilian Marines from a broad range of backgrounds, and thus, diverse perspectives and talents. The Marine Corps believes that diversity and inclusion provide a competitive warfighting advantage over our adversaries. DoDI 1020.05 DOD Diversity and Inclusion Management Program also requires a service component DEI strategic plan.
DEI is not about “numbers” or limited to an isolated activity; it must be embedded at every level, from unit to service-level operations. At the unit level, leaders are expected to motivate, lead, and inspire all Marines, Sailors, and Civilian Marines regardless of their background. The Service makes a concerted effort to attract and access a diverse force, representative of Americans from every corner of the map and every walk of life. Further, the Service pursues talent management strategies that seek to preserve and leverage the talent force that it has recruited, trained, and developed. To this end, we all must strive to encourage a culture where the unique talents of our Marines, Sailors, and Civilian Marines are valued and leveraged, regardless of their race, color, creed, gender, or gender orientation.
Female Marines are represented in all previously restricted occupational fields, including the first female Reconnaissance Marine, and nearly every MOS, with numbers steadily increasing. The first woman earned the Reconnaissance Marine 0321 MOS. Career decisions for the first cohorts began in FY20. As of 01 Feb 2024:
672 female Marines have earned a previous restricted MOS
450 female enlisted Marines have 16-entry-level MOSs
222 female officers are across all 6-entry level MOSs
Greatest propensity: 31 percent in Artillery and 30 percent in Engineering
1,379 female Service members are serving in Previously Restricted Units across the total force.