The United States Marine Corps has unveiled a significant update to its iconic dress blue uniform for female Marines, emphasizing unity and a more tailored fit. Driven by a 2014 Marine Corps initiative, Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) spearheaded the development of a dress blue coat for women that mirrors the distinguished appearance of the male uniform, marking a new era in Marine Corps uniform standards.
The Development of a Unified Marine Corps Dress Blue Uniform
In a move to enhance visual cohesion within its ranks, the Marine Corps tasked MCSC with creating a dress blue uniform for women that would resonate with the established male design. This initiative was rooted in the desire to present a unified image of the Corps, while simultaneously ensuring female Marines benefited from a uniform tailored to their specific needs. The first glimpse of this modernized uniform was during the graduation ceremony of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion at Parris Island on November 16th, where these new Marines proudly debuted the updated dress blues under the watchful eye of MCSC’s Sgt. Maj. Robin Fortner.
“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,” Sgt. Maj. Fortner remarked. “All the Marines looked sharp. The uniform represents the United States Marine Corps and its proud, rich legacy, which was exemplified by the Marines.”
Gathering Feedback: The Voice of Female Marines
MCSC’s Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE) team prioritized direct input from female Marines throughout the design process. Employing surveys and roadshows, they engaged with thousands of Marines across various locations, including I and II Marine Expeditionary Forces, the National Capital Region, Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, Yuma, and the West Coast. Over 2,600 Marines participated in onsite surveys, with an additional 3,000 contributing through online platforms, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of preferences and requirements.
“It was important for MCSC to get this right for the institution,” Fortner emphasized, acknowledging the extensive effort invested. Louis Curcio, ICE clothing designer, noted that the fielded coat was the culmination of three prototype iterations, incorporating key modifications such as a white belt and a standing collar, replacing the traditional lapel. Crucially, female Marines were exclusively surveyed to gauge their acceptance of the new design. “We gave all of the results to the commandant, and he made the final decision based on their input,” Curcio stated, highlighting the user-centric approach.
Design Innovations for Fit and Functionality
The redesigned Us Marine Corps Dress Uniform incorporates several key features aimed at improving both aesthetics and functionality. A strategically placed seam in the upper-torso area allows for easier tailoring to accommodate diverse body types. Furthermore, the coat’s length was extended by 1.5 inches, enhancing its structure and creating a more balanced silhouette with the trousers, which themselves were designed to offer 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, emphasizing the unifying nature of the updated design.
Roadshow Insights and Marine Perspectives
Lt. Col. Jeniffer Ballard and Sgt. Lucy Schroder played a vital role in the roadshow tours, modeling the evolving uniforms and engaging directly with fellow Marines to gather feedback. Their presence, alongside Curcio and his team, facilitated open dialogue and addressed questions firsthand. Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller also sought direct input from Ballard, Schroder, and other female Marines, underscoring the commitment to incorporating user feedback into the final design.
Interestingly, some initial feedback revealed concerns about the perceived impact on femininity and the preservation of female Marine tradition. Ballard noted these perspectives were addressed by highlighting the historical evolution of women’s uniforms within the Marine Corps. Many Marines, initially viewing the uniform online, expressed pleasant surprise upon seeing it in person. “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 explained.
Initially skeptical, Ballard herself came to appreciate the updated uniform. “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 stated, recognizing the uniform’s role in promoting a more contemporary and unified force. Sgt. Schroder echoed this sentiment, urging Marines to experience the new blue coat firsthand before forming judgments, emphasizing its significance as a progressive step for the Marine Corps. She recalled her own initial confusion upon receiving her boot camp uniform, which differed from the iconic male uniform she had seen previously, highlighting the importance of evolving uniforms to reflect the changing roles and voices of female Marines. “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,” Schroder suggested.
Availability and Future Implementation
The new US Marine Corps dress uniform is currently available for purchase at Marine Corps Exchanges. The transition to the updated uniform will be phased, with mandatory adoption for all female Marines by fiscal year 2022. Sgt. Maj. Fortner concluded by emphasizing the necessity of embracing change within the Marine Corps. “We cannot be afraid of change, often times a new era brings about changes,” Fortner stated. “Many Marines have adapted throughout their careers, and this is no different. We must take it on and own it.” This new dress blue uniform represents not just a change in attire, but a reflection of the Marine Corps’ ongoing commitment to unity, modernization, and the valuable contributions of all its Marines.
