The United States Marine Corps has introduced a redesigned dress blue uniform for female Marines, marking a significant step towards visual unity within its ranks. This initiative, stemming from a 2014 Marine Corps directive, was spearheaded by Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) with the objective of creating a dress blue coat for women that mirrors the esteemed male uniform while providing a more tailored and appropriate fit for the female form. The new uniform was publicly debuted during a graduation ceremony at Parris Island on November 16th, where Marines of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion proudly wore the updated attire.
Sgt. Maj. Robin Fortner of MCSC, who officiated as the parade reviewing officer at the graduation, expressed her honor at witnessing this historical moment. “I was honored to be a part of history and stand out on the renowned parade deck to witness the newest Marines who will enter into the operating forces,” stated Fortner. She further emphasized the uniform’s significance, noting, “All the Marines looked sharp. The uniform represents the United States Marine Corps and its proud, rich legacy, which was exemplified by the Marines.” The overarching aim of this uniform update is to present a cohesive and unified image of the Marine Corps, ensuring that all Marines, regardless of gender, are instantly recognizable in their dress blue uniforms.
The development process of the new Marine Corps Dress Uniform was characterized by thorough research and direct engagement with female Marines. MCSC’s Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE) team diligently sought feedback through comprehensive surveys and interactive roadshows. These efforts were undertaken to ensure that the voices and preferences of female Marines were central to the design process. The team’s outreach extended to I and II Marine Expeditionary Forces and included on-site surveys engaging 2,632 Marines across various locations such as the National Capital Region, Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, Yuma, and the West Coast. Additionally, almost 3,000 Marines participated through online surveys, demonstrating the widespread interest and engagement in the uniform modernization project.
Sgt. Maj. Fortner highlighted the importance of this meticulous approach, 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 and the follow on support to the Depot.” Louis Curcio, the ICE clothing designer, explained that the fielded coat is the result of three prototype iterations. Key design modifications include the addition of a white belt and a standing collar, replacing the previous standard lapel. Curcio emphasized the data-driven nature of the design evolution, “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,” he said. The feedback collected was directly presented to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, who made the final decision based on the input from female Marines themselves.
Further tailoring for diverse body types was addressed by incorporating a seam in the upper torso area, facilitating easier alterations. The coat’s length was also increased by 1.5 inches to achieve a more balanced silhouette with the trousers, which were concurrently redesigned to enhance range of motion and overall mobility. Curcio succinctly captured the unifying impact of these changes: “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 crucial roles, modeling the uniforms and engaging with fellow Marines to address questions and gather feedback firsthand. Their direct interactions, along with input from other female Marines, ensured that the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller at the time, received unfiltered perspectives from the women who would be wearing the uniform. Lt. Col. Ballard recounted some initial reservations expressed by Marines during the roadshows, noting that some worried about the uniform impacting their femininity or perceived tradition of female Marines. However, she emphasized the historical context of evolving uniform standards for women in the Marine Corps. “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 of a design too closely resembling the male coat, Ballard’s perspective shifted positively over time. “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,” she concluded.
Sgt. Schroder echoed the sentiment of embracing the change, urging Marines to experience the new blue coat personally before forming judgments. She emphasized the significance of this update for the Marine Corps and its potential impact on future recruitment. “Before I joined the service, my first impression was the iconic male uniform coat I saw on commercials,” Schroder recalled, highlighting the visual recognition associated with the male dress blue uniform. She added, “When I got to boot camp and they gave me my coat, I was confused because it looked different than what I expected. The more we progress in time, the more female Marines are having a voice and opinions on how they want to look, which will hopefully draw the attention of future recruits.”
The newly designed marine corps dress uniform is now available for purchase at Marine Corps Exchanges. The transition to the new uniform will be phased in, with a mandate for all female Marines to wear it by fiscal year 2022. Sgt. Maj. Fortner concluded by encouraging a forward-looking perspective: “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 uniform update symbolizes progress, unity, and the Marine Corps’ commitment to ensuring all its members are equally represented and recognized in their distinguished dress blue uniforms.
