The iconic dress blue uniform of the United States Marine Corps has undergone a significant and historic update for female Marines. This transformation, initiated in 2014 and spearheaded by Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), introduces a newly designed dress blue coat for women, mirroring the esteemed male uniform while ensuring a more tailored and contemporary fit. The objective of this change in Female Marine Uniforms is to foster unity within the Corps, ensuring every Marine is instantly recognizable as a member of this honored force.
The first public unveiling of these updated female marine uniforms took place at the November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion graduation ceremony at Parris Island on November 16th. Sgt. Maj. Robin Fortner of MCSC, acting as the parade reviewing official, witnessed this milestone firsthand. “I was honored to be a part of history and stand out on the renowned parade deck to witness the newest Marines,” Sgt. Maj. Fortner remarked, emphasizing the uniform’s embodiment of the Marine Corps’ “proud, rich legacy.”
The development of these new female marine uniforms was a meticulous process, prioritizing the voices of female Marines. MCSC’s Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE) team conducted extensive research through surveys and roadshows. They engaged with Marines at I and II Marine Expeditionary Forces and gathered feedback from 2,632 Marines across various locations including the National Capital Region, Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, Yuma, and the West Coast. An additional 3,000 Marines participated via online surveys, demonstrating the high level of engagement and importance placed on this uniform update.
Sgt. Maj. Fortner highlighted the dedication to this project, stating, “It was important for MCSC to get this right for the institution. I appreciate the diligence that went into this effort from the beginning.” Louis Curcio, ICE clothing designer at MCSC, noted that the fielded coat is the culmination of three prototype iterations. Key design enhancements in these female marine uniforms include a white belt and a standing collar, replacing the previous standard lapel.
Curcio emphasized the data-driven approach: “Throughout the process, we conducted three different surveys to figure out if the new coat was something Marines actually wanted—and we only surveyed females. We gave all of the results to the commandant, and he made the final decision based on their input.” Further modifications to the female marine uniforms include a seam added to the upper torso for easier tailoring and a 1.5-inch lengthening of the coat for enhanced structure and balance with the trousers, which themselves were designed for improved mobility.
“With this change, all Marines will have the uniform of the Corps, and there will be no doubts that they are U.S. Marines in the dress blue uniform,” Curcio affirmed, underscoring the unifying aspect of the updated design in female marine uniforms.
During the roadshows, Lt. Col. Jeniffer Ballard and Sgt. Lucy Schroder played crucial roles, modeling the female marine uniforms and addressing questions from fellow Marines. Their direct interaction and feedback to then-Commandant Gen. Robert Neller ensured that the highest levels of Marine Corps leadership directly heard the opinions of female Marines.
Lt. Col. Ballard, from Manpower and Reserve Affairs, recounted some initial reservations voiced during the roadshows. Concerns ranged from the uniform potentially diminishing femininity to anxieties about disrupting traditions associated with female marine uniforms. She noted the historical context of evolving uniform options for women in the Marine Corps and the importance of showcasing the uniform in person to overcome preconceived notions from online surveys. Many Marines, she stated, were “pleasantly surprised” by the actual appearance, exceeding their expectations.
Initially, Lt. Col. Ballard herself was skeptical, anticipating a mere replica of the male coat. However, her perspective evolved as she witnessed the final design: “Over the course of time the coat grew on me, and I really like it now because it helps modernize the force, so there isn’t such a distinction between male and female uniforms.”
Sgt. Schroder from the Wounded Warrior Regiment stressed the importance of experiencing the new female marine uniforms firsthand before judgment. She highlighted the iconic nature of the male dress blue uniform as a common initial image of the Marine Corps. Her own boot camp experience, receiving a different coat than expected, underscored the need for modernization. Sgt. Schroder believes that giving female Marines a greater voice in their uniform design will attract future recruits.
The new female marine uniforms are currently available for purchase at Marine Corps Exchanges and will become mandatory for all female Marines by fiscal year 2022. Sgt. Maj. Fortner concluded, “We cannot be afraid of change, often times a new era brings about changes. Many Marines have adapted throughout their careers, and this is no different. We must take it on and own it.” This historic update to female marine uniforms marks a significant step towards unity and recognition within the United States Marine Corps, honoring both tradition and progress.
