The Marine Corps has been testing out a redesigned version of the dress blue uniform for both female officers and enlisted women. The proposed new uniform has a dress blue coat similar to the male uniform, with the "traditional high collar" (see picture above).
Col. Christian G. Cabaniss, commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, explained the change could be viewed as a form of empowerment:
"The one uniform between males and females that isn't similar is the blues. Providing female Marines the opportunity to wear the most identifiable uniform in the Marine Corps would recognize their significant achievements on the battlefield over the last decade plus."
So who will be allowed to test out the new prototype of the female dress blue uniform? According to Col. Todd Desgrosseilliers, commanding officer of Support Battalion, The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia:
“The wear test for the new prototype will be done by band members, recruiters, selected Marines in the National Capital Region and potentially Marine Barracks personnel...”
The testing will begin in late summer/early fall of 2014.
What do you think of the proposed changes? Have your say in our comments section!
