This monograph recounts the events that brought about the change from women as Marine Reservists only to the integration of women into the Marine Corps. Chapters 1-8 trace the status of women in the Marines beginning with demobilization plans for the Women's Reserve following World War II. They discuss the Women's Armed Forces Legislation; integration of women into the regular Marine Corps; the Reserve and regular corps women in the Korean War; utilization and numbers from 1951 to 1963, from 1964 to 1972, and from 1973 to 1977; and the Reserves after Korea. Chapter 9 describes recruit training; the focus of chapter 10 is officer training. Chapter 11, on administration of women, considers supervision and guidance of women Marines, the daily routine, and discipline. Promotions are discussed in chapter 12. Chapter 13 considers marriage, motherhood, and dependent husbands. Chapter 14 describes uniforms. Focuses of chapter 15 are laurels (decorations) and traditions. Chapters 16 and 17 offer brief biographies of the Sergeants Major of Women Marines and the Directors of Women Marines. Appendixes include listings of women Marines' strength (1948-1977), eligible occupational fields, and units (1946-1977). (YLB)