By Kaitlin Kelly, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication Marine Corps Systems Command
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – In a landmark move towards uniformity and recognition, the U.S. Marine Corps has introduced a redesigned dress blue uniform for female Marines. This historic change, marked by features such as a distinguished white belt, a form-fitted coat, and an elegant standing collar, aims toProject a unified image of the Corps while providing female Marines with a more tailored and flattering fit. The first glimpse of this updated attire was during the graduation ceremony of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion at Parris Island on November 16th, where they proudly donned the new uniforms. Sgt. Maj. Robin Fortner of Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) served as the reviewing official for this momentous occasion.
“It was a true honor to witness history unfold on the parade deck and observe these newest Marines, the future of our operating forces,” stated Sgt. Maj. Fortner. “Every Marine present looked exceptionally sharp. This uniform embodies the legacy and pride of the United States Marine Corps, a legacy that was clearly reflected by each of these Marines.”
The development of this new Marine Corp Female Uniform was a direct response to a 2014 Marine Corps initiative. Marine Corps Systems Command’s Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE) team spearheaded the project, prioritizing feedback from female Marines throughout the design process. Extensive research was conducted through surveys and roadshows, ensuring that the voices of female Marines were central to the uniform’s evolution.
To comprehensively gather input, the ICE team engaged with Marines across I and II Marine Expeditionary Forces and conducted on-site surveys involving 2,632 Marines stationed at various locations including the National Capital Region, Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, Yuma, and the entire west coast. Demonstrating widespread engagement, nearly 3,000 additional Marines opted to participate through online surveys, further enriching the feedback pool.
“It was paramount for MCSC to ensure we delivered the right uniform for our institution,” emphasized Sgt. Maj. Fortner. “The thoroughness of this endeavor, from its inception to the ongoing support provided to the Depot, is truly commendable.”
Louis Curcio, the clothing designer for ICE, highlighted that the fielded coat is the culmination of three prototype iterations. Key enhancements include the addition of a white belt and a standing collar, replacing the previous standard lapel.
“Throughout this journey, we administered three distinct surveys specifically targeting female Marines to gauge their preferences for the new coat,” Curcio explained. “All collected results were presented to the Commandant, who made the final decision grounded in direct feedback from female Marines.”
Design modifications also incorporated a seam in the upper-torso region to facilitate easier alterations for diverse body types. Furthermore, the coat length was increased by 1.5 inches to achieve enhanced structure and visual harmony with the trousers, which were also redesigned to offer improved range of motion and mobility.
“This uniform change ensures that all Marines, regardless of gender, will wear the uniform of the Corps, eliminating any ambiguity and unequivocally identifying them as U.S. Marines in dress blue uniform,” Curcio affirmed. This new marine corp female uniform achieves visual parity while respecting the distinct physique of female Marines.
During the roadshow phase, Lt. Col. Jeniffer Ballard and Sgt. Lucy Schroder accompanied Curcio and his team, serving as models and readily addressing questions from fellow Marines. General Robert Neller, the then-Commandant of the Marine Corps, actively sought direct opinions from Ballard, Schroder, and other female Marines to ensure decisions were informed by firsthand perspectives.
Ballard, serving as section head for Operations, Plans, Integration, and Distribution for the Manpower Management Integration branch at Manpower and Reserve Affairs, recounted her surprise at some of the feedback received during the roadshow. Concerns were raised by some female Marines that the new coats might detract from their femininity, while others expressed worry about losing elements of their tradition as female Marines.
Ballard emphasized the historical context of uniform evolution for women in the Marine Corps, noting, “Throughout the Marine Corps’ history, there have consistently been changes and options introduced for women.”
“Presenting the uniform in person, as opposed to solely relying on online surveys, proved crucial. Many Marines expressed pleasant surprise, noting that the uniform exceeded their initial expectations,” she added.
Initially, Ballard admitted to skepticism regarding the uniform changes, anticipating a mere replication of the male coat, complete with identical pockets and collar.
“However, over time, my appreciation for the coat grew. I now genuinely like it because it modernizes our force and diminishes the visual distinctions between male and female uniforms,” Ballard concluded. This updated marine corp female uniform represents progress toward equality and recognition.
Sgt. Schroder, assigned to the Wounded Warrior Regiment at Marine Corps Base Quantico, urged Marines to reserve judgment until they had the opportunity to try on the blue coat, underscoring its significance as a major step forward for the Marine Corps.
“Before enlisting, my primary image of the Marine uniform was the iconic male coat featured in commercials,” Schroder shared. “Upon receiving my uniform at boot camp, I was initially surprised by its difference from my expectations. As time progresses, female Marines are increasingly empowered to voice their opinions on their desired appearance, which will hopefully enhance recruitment efforts.”
The new dress blue uniform is currently available for purchase at Marine Corps Exchanges. By fiscal year 2022, all female Marines will be required to transition to wearing the new uniform, marking a complete integration of this updated design.
“We must embrace change; progress often necessitates adaptation,” Sgt. Maj. Fortner remarked. “Marines are known for their adaptability throughout their careers, and this uniform update is no different. We must accept it and make it our own.” This marine corp female uniform is a symbol of evolution and unity within the Marine Corps.
