Brigadier General Angie Salinas
B
rigadier General Angie to join the United States Marine
Salinas enlisted in the Corps. I was not doing very
United States Marine Corps well in college and was think-
(USMC) in 1974 and was ing about dropping out. I went
selected for the Enlisted Com- to the post office one day
missioning Program in 1977. between my sophomore and
Commissioned a second lieu- junior years of college to mail a
tenant in December 1977 she letter. When a tall, very sharp,
has been blazing a historic trail very impressive Marine Corps
from the start, commanding at recruiter came out and looked
every rank. In 1989, BGen me in the eye and said, “Why
Salinas assumed command of aren’t you a Marine?” I looked
Recruiting Station Charleston, at him and I said, “I’m trying to
becoming the first woman in mail a letter.” About four days
the Marine Corps to lead a later, I raised my hand and said
recruiting station. In 2001 Sali- “I do solemnly swear to support
self, if you have a passion and
nas also became the first and defend the Constitution,”
want to serve, if you want to
woman to serve as a recruiting and three days after that I was
learn discipline and have a
district commanding officer, at recruit training at Parris
sense of belonging, and you
when she assumed command of Island, South Carolina.
want to be able to continue
the 12th Marine Corps District.
your education, then the
In 2006 Salinas became the first What has been your biggest
Marines is a good place to start.
Latina General Officer in the obstacle and how did you over-
Marine Corps; she was also the come it?
What are some of the leader-
first woman to command a To be perfectly honest, I
ship attributes that you look
Marine Corps Recruit Depot/ haven’t experienced any signifi-
for in recruits?
Recruiting Region when she cant obstacles. I happen to be
The one I look for the most is
took command of Marine Corps growing through the Marine
character. This is a really tough
Recruit Depot/ Western Corps at the same time it was
time. It’s very easy to go with
Recruiting Region San Diego, opening the doors. So, I got a
whatever the crowd is doing.
CA in 2006. chance to be the first one to do
We’re looking for smart young
a lot of things that other people
men and women who are will-
Salinas has been the recipient hadn’t. So, for me, I didn’t see
ing to do the right thing and
of a number of high-profile too many obstacles.
have a foundation of really
national awards and Hispanic
solid values. That’s what I’m
Magazine named her one of the What is the most important
really looking for. I can work
100 most influential Hispanics barrier you’ve broken?
on physical fitness. I can work
in the country. Her personal The most significant has been
on academics. I can work on a
decorations include the Defense being the first women to com-
lot of things, but I can’t do a
Brigadier General Salinas
Superior Service Medal, the mand the Marine Corps Recruit
whole lot without character.
Legion of Merit with gold star Depot in San Diego and the
Passing the Organizational
in lieu of second award and the Western Recruiting Region.
Why should people consider a
Colors to Brigadier General
Meritorious Service Medal with We train male Marines here, but
career in the Marines?
two gold stars. the Marine Corps didn’t see this
The top reason to join the
Bailey
as a gender issue. The Marine
Marine Corps is a desire to be a
We caught up with this Corps saw the best qualified
Marine. They are people who
renowned Latina recently at the general officer come here to
are seeking a challenge and a
Marine Corps Recruiting Depot command. I see that as [a sign
real sense of belonging; those
/ Western Recruiting Region that] truly we’ve arrived.
who want to develop leadership
Change of Command ceremony
skills, and experience cama-
were she relinquish command What advice would you give
raderie.
to Brigadier General Ronald L. other Hispanics or women
Bailey and asked her about her looking to become future lead-
What do you value the most in
inspirational career. ers in their professions?
your USMC career?
I’d give the same advice to any-
The camaraderie and the
What inspired you to join the body regardless of gender or
relationships I have built with
United States Marine Corps? ethnicity. If you’re looking to
my fellow Marines and their
I had no idea that I was going do something greater than your-
families.
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