What year did Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter achieve the rank of three-star officer?

Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter achieved the rank of three-star officer in 1996. This milestone was significant as she became the first woman in U.S. history to earn a three-star rank in the Marine Corps. Her promotion reflected not only her extensive military career but also the evolving role of women in the U.S. armed forces during the 1990s. The year 1996 coincides with a period when women were gaining greater representation in leadership positions within the military, making her achievement particularly noteworthy. This context highlights the importance of her promotion as a step forward in military gender equality and serves as a historical reference for discussions around women in leadership roles in the armed forces.