The city of New Orleans dedicated the first United States monument of a woman in service uniform: “Molly Marine” on 10Nov, 1943. A local recruiter commissioned the statue to help recruit women during World War II. For female Marines around the world, Molly has come to represent the countless significant contributions women have made to the Corps. She proudly stands for endurance, the book she holds records our history, the binoculars allow her to see into the future and she looks up steadfast facing all that comes her way. Molly has become a symbol of Esprit de Corps for all women Marines. Before graduation from boot camp, the recruits are asked to name one fellow recruit within their platoon who best exemplifies being a Marine. Here, we celebrate our newest Marines.

PVT Nakala Burney

O Co, PLT 4014

7 May 2014

 

A Molly Marine is the ideal image of what every Marine should work towards. She is one who is compassionate and caring towards others. A Molly Marine takes pride in having the chance to experience recruit training and find weaknesses and strengths in her team and herself. It is a privilege to be recognized as the Molly Marine.

Generally, I have struggled in school and life because I never had much control. I was not willing to take direction from others. I was always told what to do and how to do it. The people in my life tried to tell me the “correct path” to follow. I turned down all of this, finally deciding to make my own choices and live my own life the way I believed would make me most happy. Early in my life, I tended to feel out of place. When I finally started to surround myself with the people that liked what I liked, I found something I desperately wanted and desired: earning the title “United States Marine.”

The Marine Corps held such an appeal to me because I saw a group of individuals that were always determined to do better and put maximum effort into all that they do. I also saw them as a group of individuals who always did the right thing even when no one is looking because they knew that their actions spoke not only for themselves but also for the Marine Corps. I admired the way the world respects Marines and wanted that for myself.

I came to boot camp with absolutely no knowledge of what a “Molly Marine” is. Now that my Senior Drill Instructor has explained what it is, I assumed that she had to be perfect and stand out in a group that is already a part of the best. She is NOT perfect. She does NOT have to be the best.

I now know that she has plenty of flaws and attempts to fix them. She does not dwell on criticism; she takes the guidance as a chance to make herself better and exceed perceived limitations. She does not just repeat the Core Values, because she knows in order to be a great leader, she must understand and live by them because it is what tradition dictates.

In order to be a Molly Marine, you need to care for your fellow Marines because they trust and depend on you. You will never see caring as a negative trait in a Molly Marine. She addresses every Marine with problems because she honesty cares for them enough to help fix issues. She will also do extra push-ups or pull-ups with the Marines who cannot do them. She notices the distinct personalities of her fellow Marines and when they change. She is compassionate and keeps the platoon highly motivated. A Molly Marine develops naturally by showing humility and by being humble. She never stops or gives up on anybody because her elders have taught her better.

I was anxious to become a part of something better, only to be nominated as something that is a part of tradition. I was excited when I was told I was the Molly Marine because I have worked hard at everything I have done and I always have a positive outlook on what I am faced with, which I think, is the most important trait in a Molly Marine.