Gail Jennings retires from USMC, 1 of 4 black women to be Colonel

“The United States Marine Corps gave Col. Gail Jennings an opportunity to excel.
And excel she did.
Jennings is one of only four black women who have the rank of colonel in the history of the U.S. Marines. This summer, Colonel Jennings retired after 34 years of service to the country.
Jennings entered the Marines after graduating college in May of 1977 as a second lieutenant.
Jennings said that when she entered the service, “not every occupation was open to women.”
“The military was very male-dominated and is still today but there have been positive changes since I’ve been in. There is a more level playing field now,” she said.
Jennings was featured in the December issue of Ebony Magazine in 1982 and Jet in March 1983. She also was recognized at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in February 2004 for being the “highest ranking active African American female over the history of the U.S. Marine Corps.”
“The military is a business just like any other business. It is just in the business of defense,” Jennings said. “The Marines provide you another opportunity to be in a career. It is a great educational, personal, and professional opportunity.”

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