The United States Marine Corps has unveiled a significant update to its iconic dress blue uniform for female Marines, marking a historic step towards uniformity and a more tailored fit. This change, stemming from a 2014 Marine Corps initiative, introduces a redesigned dress blue coat for women that mirrors the esteemed male uniform while catering to the female form. The goal is clear: to present a unified Corps while ensuring female Marines have a uniform that is both sharp and comfortable.
The first glimpse of this new Female Marine Uniform was at the graduation ceremony of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion at Parris Island on November 16th. MCSC’s Sgt. Maj. Robin Fortner, who served as the parade reviewing official, expressed her honor to witness this historic moment. “All the Marines looked sharp. The uniform represents the United States Marine Corps and its proud, rich legacy,” she stated, highlighting the importance of the uniform in embodying the Marine Corps identity.
The development of this new female marine uniform was a meticulous process led by Marine Corps Systems Command’s (MCSC) Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE) team. Recognizing the need for female voices to be central to this change, MCSC conducted extensive research, reaching out to thousands of female Marines. Surveys and roadshows were organized across I and II Marine Expeditionary Forces, including locations like Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, Yuma, and the West Coast, gathering input from over 2,600 Marines in person and nearly 3,000 more online.
Sgt. Maj. Fortner emphasized the dedication to getting it right for the Marine Corps, appreciating the thoroughness of the process and the ongoing support to the Depot. Louis Curcio, ICE clothing designer at MCSC, noted that the fielded coat is the third iteration of prototypes. Key updates include the addition of a white belt and a standing collar, replacing the previous standard lapel, bringing it closer in style to the male dress blue coat.
Crucially, the design process was driven by feedback. “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,” Curcio explained. The results were presented to the Commandant, who made the final decision based directly on female Marine input, ensuring the new female marine uniform reflected their preferences and needs.
Beyond aesthetic changes, practical adjustments were also incorporated. Designers added a seam to the upper torso to facilitate easier alterations for diverse body types. The coat length was also increased by 1.5 inches to improve structure and balance with the trousers, which themselves were redesigned to offer enhanced range of motion and mobility. Curcio succinctly captured the essence of the update: “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.”
During the roadshows, Lt. Col. Jeniffer Ballard and Sgt. Lucy Schroder played vital roles, modeling the uniforms and engaging with fellow Marines to gather feedback. Current Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller also sought direct opinions from Ballard, Schroder, and other female Marines to ensure firsthand understanding and address any concerns.
Lt. Col. Ballard highlighted some initial reservations expressed by female Marines during the roadshows. Concerns ranged from the uniform potentially diminishing femininity to worries about losing the tradition of female Marine uniforms. However, Ballard emphasized the historical evolution of women’s uniforms in the Marine Corps, noting that changes and adaptations have always been a part of the service. Seeing the uniform in person often changed perceptions. “It was important for us to show what the uniform looked like in person versus in an online survey, and some Marines were pleasantly surprised saying it exceeded their expectations,” Ballard stated.
Initially skeptical herself, Ballard admitted, “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.” This sentiment reflects a broader understanding that the new female marine uniform is about progress and unity, not erasure of identity.
Sgt. Schroder emphasized the importance of experiencing the new blue coat firsthand before judging it negatively. She considers this a significant advancement for the Marine Corps. Recalling her own initial impression of the “iconic male uniform coat,” Schroder noted the initial confusion upon receiving a different-looking female uniform in boot camp. She believes that giving female Marines a stronger voice in their appearance will attract future recruits and foster a more inclusive environment.
The new dress blue uniform is now available for purchase at Marine Corps Exchanges. The transition to the new uniform will be phased, with a mandate for all female Marines to wear it 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 forward-looking statement encapsulates the spirit of the uniform update – embracing progress while honoring the enduring legacy of the U.S. Marine Corps.
