Marine Corps Expands Boat Cloak Access to Women
In a landmark update to Marine Corps uniform policy, female Marines are now authorized to wear the iconic boat cloak, a garment long emblematic of ceremonial traditions and historically reserved for male officers. This significant change was first reported by Military Times in its article titled “Attention, ladies: You can now wear the iconic Marine Corps boat cloak,” published on militarytimes.com.
The boat cloak, a heavy, black wool overcoat with a velvet collar and lined with a satin inner fabric, originated as a practical yet dignified outer garment meant for formal functions and harsh weather conditions. For decades, it has been synonymous with prestige and formality in the Marine Corps, worn by male officers during certain ceremonial occasions. Until now, it remained absent from the female uniform allowance list.
According to Marine Corps officials, the policy shift comes as part of broader efforts to ensure parity across gender lines in military attire, reflecting ongoing reviews of uniform standards with an eye toward inclusivity and tradition. Officials note that the decision is also a response to longstanding feedback from female Marines who have advocated for access to the same ceremonial wear options afforded to their male counterparts.
The updated guidelines stipulate that the boat cloak is now authorized for wear by all officers, regardless of gender. However, it remains a non-mandatory item, meaning it is not issued by the service nor required for purchase, but may be acquired by those who wish to include it as part of their ceremonial uniform.
Marine Corps leaders emphasized that the move honors tradition while modernizing the force’s approach to uniformity and representation. The inclusion of the boat cloak for all officers aligns with similar updates in recent years, including the standardization of dress blue coats across genders and revisions to maternity uniforms.
While the item remains rare, often seen only during particularly formal or cold-weather functions, the policy change carries considerable symbolic weight. Allowing female Marines to don the boat cloak underscores both a respect for historical continuity and a commitment to evolving institutional norms to better reflect the diversity and professionalism of the modern Corps.
As the Marine Corps looks ahead to further modernization efforts in both appearance and structure, such updates are likely to continue reshaping how tradition and progress coexist within one of the military’s most storied branches.
