avatarEP McKnight, MEd

Summary

Major General Lorna Mahlock, the first Black female to achieve the rank of brigadier general in the Marine Corps, has been confirmed for promotion to a two-star general, marking a significant milestone in the Corps' history.

Abstract

Major General Lorna Mahlock, a Jamaican-born U.S. Marine Corps officer, has made history by becoming the highest-ranking Black female officer in the Corps' history. Confirmed by the Senate for promotion to a two-star general, she currently serves as the deputy director of cybersecurity for combat support. Mahlock's journey began when she migrated to the United States at 17 and enlisted in the Marine Corps, eventually becoming an air traffic controller. She earned her commission through the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and holds degrees from Marquette University and the University of Oklahoma, as well as a master's from the U.S. Army War College. Despite the Marine Corps having the lowest percentage of women in service, Mahlock's ascent reflects the impact of lifting the ban on women in combat roles in 2015. Her achievements underscore the attainability of the American dream and the progress women, particularly women of color, have made in the military.

Opinions

  • The article views Mahlock as a trailblazer for women in the military, especially for women of color, highlighting her role in opening doors for future generations.
  • The lifting of the ban on women in combat roles is seen as a significant factor in Mahlock's rise through the ranks.
  • The article suggests that Mahlock's success is a testament to the value of hard work and education, emphasizing her academic achievements alongside her military accomplishments.
  • The Marine Corps' low percentage of female troops (9%) is noted, implying a contrast with Mahlock's high-ranking position and suggesting a need for greater gender diversity in the Corps.
  • The article concludes with an optimistic view of Mahlock's legacy, anticipating that it will inspire more women of color to aspire to leadership roles within the military.

First Black Female Major General Brigadier, Lorna Mahlock

How the Marine Corps made history.

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Major General Lorna Matlock, a two-star general who is the highest ranking Black female officer in Marine Corps history. She is a Jamaican-born commander who gained President Joe Biden’s nomination this month was confirmed for promotion by the Senate and currently serves as deputy director of cybersecurity for combat support.

Mahlock is a trailblazer who became the first Black woman in the Corps to achieve the one-star rank of brigadier general and the first Black woman to serve as the Marine Corps chief information officer.

While Mahlock rose up the ranks, the Corps yet maintains the lowest percentage of women among its troops at 9% per the Marine Corps Times. The lifting of the ban on women in combat in 2015, was significant for Mahlock rise through the ranks. As a result of the ban being lifted, women fly strike aircraft, women are in the infantry, artillery, and tanks.

Mahlock migrated to Brooklyn, New York from Jamaica at the age of 17 and three months later enlisted in the Marine Corps and became an air traffic controller. Since that time, she has served in various leadership roles.

She went on to earn her commission through the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program after graduating from Marquette with a broadcast journalism degree. In addition, she attended the University of Oklahoma and earned her graduate degree in adult and higher education and a master’s degree in military strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Early on in her life, she attended an all-girls Catholic school in the Caribbean, and migrating to this country proves that hard work along with education pays dividends over the long haul. Mahlock hails from her early beginnings attending an all-girls Catholic school and climbing the ladder to success through the military ranks with more and more education.

In conclusion, Mahlock has joined the ranks of many females who have become a trailblazer in their fields. Her life is a testament that the American dream is obtainable and females can now reach the top of ranks in the military, unlike yesterday. Mahlock has opened the door for more women of color to be elevated in the military. Long lives the legacy of Mahlock as a military trailblazer.

For additional reads:

Military
Education
Startup
Black Women
BlackLivesMatter
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarJennifer Hartmann
The Question That Ended My Marriage

In a rare moment of vulnerability, I asked my husband this question, and knew I’d just empowered us to divorce.

6 min read
avatarOssiana Tepfenhart
Korea’s Shocking Incel Problem Is So Much Worse Than You Think

No, for real, this is terrifying.

10 min read
avatarCharlie Brown
I Changed My Mind About Having Children Too Late

This is what it’s like to live with that decision

6 min read
avatarPriya Sridhar
The Neil Gaiman Allegations

A response to some rather horrific news.

6 min read
avatarAdrian V
I Lost 30 lbs After Healing My Gut By Quitting These 4 Inflammatory Foods.

You can’t lose weight against a sick gut.

3 min read
avatarKarolina Kozmana
Common side effects of not drinking

By rejecting alcohol, you reject something very human, an extra limb that we have collectively grown to deal with reality and with each…

10 min read