Woman Marine Expected To Join All-Male Group Of Three-Star Generals

In the world of a few good men, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Carol A. Mutter has staked a claim for women.

America’s highest-ranking woman in the military has assembled a 30-year career in a branch of the armed forces that traditionally has the fewest women.

But it is that same male-dominated branch of the military that has put her in line to become the nation’s first female three-star general.

In March, the 50-year-old Colorado native was nominated to take the rank of lieutenant general and become the Marines’ chief of manpower and reserve affairs. Her nomination is pending Senate confirmation.

“The doors have opened one at a time through the years,” Mutter said Monday in a visit to Orlando. “The Marines were ready for this. I think it proves that the Marines are frequently more innovative and forward-thinking than they are given credit for.” Mutter was in central Florida for briefings at the Naval Air Warfare Training Systems Division, which develops simulation systems for the Navy.

Because she is a senior two-star general, Mutter already outranks other women in the military. She is only the third woman to receive a general’s star in the Marines, military officials said.

If she is confirmed, Mutter would join a select all-male group that includes more than 120 three-star generals.

Mutter said she wants her accomplishments to help encourage other women pursuing military careers.

For Mutter, education has been key. She received a bachelor’s in math education in 1967 from Northern Colorado University, a master’s in general management from Salve Regina College in Newport, R.I. in 1985 and a master’s in business management from the Naval War College, also in 1985.