HISTORY

Drill Instructors

1976

Scarlet Epaulets (Winter) / Green (Summer)

Female Drill Instructors upon Graduation, received scarlet epaulets. On 27 Mar 1984, red epaulets were worn for the last time by women Marine drill Instructors.  Sergeant Valerie Shields wears the scarlet epaulets.   

1976

September 13, 1996

Campaign Cover

Female Drill Instructors Scarlet Cord No More. 

September 13, 1996

December 16, 2020

Women Graduate from San Diego

Sergeant Stephanie Fahl, Sergeant Ikea Kaufman, Sergeant Stephanie Jordi, made Marine Corps history by becoming the first females to graduate from a gender-integrated drill instructor course at  Recruit Depot San Diego. 

December 16, 2020

The Commandant of the Marine Corps announced through ALMAR 327/96 (All Marine) Administrative Message on 13 September 1996, and effective immediately, the campaign cover was authorized.  In the same message it also announced that the wear of the scarlet shoulder cord was no longer authorized.  

On 1 October 1996, Fourth Recruit Training Bn. Sergeant Major Royce S. Restivo, places a campaign cover on one of the 53 female drill instructors on hand at the scarlet cord retirement ceremony in the Parris Island Lyceum October 2. The final scarlet shoulder cord, the previous symbol of a female DI, was given to retired CWO-2 Phyllis Alexander, former female DI, for placement in the Parris Island Museum.

History of the Campaign Cover

The introduction of the pre-World War II campaign or field hat worn by drill instructors today originated during an advisory council meeting in 1956. Male senior noncommissioned officers strongly recommended the adoption of better "headgear" for DIs. 

At that time, the khaki barracks cap had a bill, but didn't shade the eyes. The soft khaki garrison cap didn't have a bill, and the green herringbone cape worn with the field uniform was also inadequate in the summer sun. The pith helmet was a practical alternative for wear in the hot Carolina summer. It was cool and its wide brim provided good shade for the eyes and neck. It later became the hat used by marksmanship instructors at the rifle range.

Further study indicated that the field hat was the item most preferred by DIs. It shaded the neck and eyes well, but did not keep the head as cool as the pith helmet. The field hat was a bit of tradition going back to the "Old Corps" of pre-World War II days. It also was more suitable for year-round wear than the pith helmet. By early June 1956, the Depot had requisitioned 1,000 field covers for delivery on Sept. 1, 1956, but Gen. Wallace M. Greene Jr., wanted to order 700 covers immediately. On Saturday, July 21, 1956, at 7:30 a.m. all 603 male drill instructors of the recruit training command obtained their new covers.

 

Female drill instructors authorized to wear "Smokey"
The commandant of the Marine Corps announced on Sept. 13, 1996, that all female drill instructors were authorized to wear the previously male-only "Smokey" field hat. The commandant's decision has answered the frequently asked question, "Why not?" It was first asked in 1976 when the first females graduated from Drill Instructor School and again in 1983 when female DIs began wearing their scarlet shoulder cord. During their Sept. 26, 1996, graduation ceremony, female DI School graduates were issued field hats. A cord retirement ceremony took place Oct. 2, 1996, after which female DIs ceased wearing the scarlet cord and began wearing the cover. The commandant, Gen. Charles C. Krulak, was on hand for the event.

The final scarlet shoulder cord, the previous symbol of a female DI, was placed in the Parris Island Museum.

 

For the first time in nearly 100 years, an integrated company of male and female recruits at MCRD San Diego are about to begin their journey into becoming Marines.

These future Marines will be led by graduates from MCRD's first ever integrated Drill Instructor Course. Now the mission of the course is to screen, train, and further develp leadership and command presence of selected Marines, in order to successfully perform duties of a drill instructor.

My Father, MSgt Jim Shields retired from the Marine Corps after serving from 1953 to 1977.
My Brother, Cpl Randy Shields served from 1979 to 1986.  
 
I did not think of being a Marine "all my life".  My father did not influence me or steer me towards joining.  He actually didn't steer me to do anything.  No college or any kind of job path towards a career. 
 
When I talked about joining, he told me to join the Air Force. It was a feeling like he didn't think women belonged in "his" Marine Corps.  I wonder if he even knew me or thought I wouldn't make it as a Marine.   I actually just wanted to get out on my own.  After moving so much growing up, I wanted to see more and travel too.  I graduated from high school early in January 1980, turned 18 on February 6th and was at Parris Island February 19th.  
 
I went to Motor-T school (3521) at Camp Johnson.  Then WTS-37 at MCAS El Toro were I was meritoriously promoted to LCpl. I then was ordered  to WTS-17 at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa.  I loved Okinawa were I was meritoriously promoted to Cpl.  Our family was stationed there from 1972 to 1975.
 
Suddenly I got orders to the Drill Field and I say that because I didn't even think about being a drill instructor.  But what a rewarding experience it was! Jan 1983 to March 1985 I worked 5 platoons and did time with PCP and Casual recruits. My father came around to me being a Marine I think because I became a Drill Instructor and told me that I was his greatest source of pride when he was sick and dying with cancer. 
 
 
In 1983 a couple of women DI's worked to get us to be able to wear the DI Campaign. Pictures were taken of one of the smallest DI's wearing one and we didn't think it help the cause. It was shot down. I was also meritoriously promoted to Sgt.  I got out of the Marine Corps March 1985.
 
Anyway, I loved my time in the Marine Corps and used my MOS to have a wonderful career as a Parts Manager at a Dodge Dealership for 25 yrs.  I know being a Drill Instructor helped with being a good manager. 
 
For a couple of years after I did regret getting out, but I met my wonderful husband of 34 year's and we have an amazing daughter.